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A pair of kings is tough to beat. And that's what we were dealt over the weekend.
Though silver kings prefer it warmer, 70-degree water will inspire a variety of species. Saturday while mackerel fishing at the Skyway Bridge, Greg McClain briefly had his drag washers lit up by an estimated 125-pound tarpon. After a couple of vicious jumps, 12-pound spin tackle was no match for the beast.
The big story, however, is the arrival of kingfish. Last week several smokers were landed from the Redington Long Pier.
Sunday, Van Vick's 32.8-pounder was the largest of eight we caught while fishing hard bottom in 21 feet just north of Redington. A live well full of shad and a 5-gallon bucket of chummers allowed us to anchor and draw them to us. A 5:30 a.m. minor solunar period and 6:14 tide change contributed to us having five in the boat by 7.
On a return trip Monday, in spite of winds gusting at times over 20 mph, Justin Mastry guided his party to a half-dozen kings, all over 20 pounds, while anchored and chumming.
After the beginning of this week's blow, when winds diminish and seas calm, look to the Betty Rose wreck, South County reef and Rube Allyn reef to hold early season kings. Once bait shows up at the buoys lining the Egmont Shipping Channel, it, too, will be among the best bets.
- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.