Whether you prefer fishing inshore or offshore, there is plenty to go around.
The hottest topic offshore has to be smoker king mackerel. Kings in the 20- to 30-pound range are being caught from the Clearwater hard bottom south to Anna Maria Island. Usually, when reports of big kings start to surface, it means the big push of schoolies isn't far behind. Check the offshore wrecks and reefs. If they're holding bait, they're holding kings.
If kings are out of your range, focus on Spanish mackerel. Macks are showing in the early morning off most beach passes and cuts. They are easily seen coming out of the water while attacking schools of bait. Silver spoons are deadly, if you don't have time to catch whitebait.
Another fish to focus on offshore is grouper. Cooling temperatures are bringing reds and gags in as close as 60 feet. Using the lightest tackle possible will draw better bites because the water clarity is so good. Thirty-pound line and 50-pound leader are a good starting point. Live blue runners, pinfish, sardines and threadfins will work, but it's always a good idea to bring along frozen sardines in case live bait is hard to get. Don't forget to chum.
Barracuda are another great target, and they have a tendency to wear out your arms. These toothy critters are hanging on just about every artificial reef off the Pinellas coast. Free-lined or under a float, blue runners will draw explosive strikes. Some of the strikes are so violent, the bait will get knocked clear of the water.
Cobia are another current wreck dweller. They are one of the feistiest fish around but also one of the easiest to catch. Keep a 20-pound rod rigged with a pinfish, and when a cobia is sighted, simply toss the pinner in front of the cobia. It won't take long. Remember, cobia have to be 33 inches from the fork in the tail to the tip of the nose to be considered a keeper.
Closer to home, snook are tearing up bait in the lights of residential docks. Docks that are on points or have good moving water are the best bets. Jumbo shrimp, pinfish, pigfish and whitebait are irresistible right now. If you're looking to take one home from the docks, better gear up with 60-pound line and 80-pound leader. In fact, it wouldn't be a bad idea to use one of the super braids for this style of fishing.
Red drum or redfish are spooky on the flats, but that doesn't mean they can't be caught. Corked shrimp, pinfish and whitebait are prime.
- Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at 727 510-4376 or email captrick@luckydawg.com
