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The recent arrival of Spanish mackerel to Tampa Bay was welcomed. Because they chew up anything in their path, the toothy treats are easy and exciting to catch.
A strong, incoming tide is best. Any range marker with good water movement should hold mackerel. Anchor close to the structure and fish down current. Look for schools of threadfins. If bait is visible on the surface, there probably are fish below.
Free-lined greenbacks, pinfish, shrimp or even chunks of cut bait will work. Invest in a chum block, and let it bring the fish to you. When chumming, keep an eye out for larger fish. It is common for cobia and large sharks to approach. Two trips ago, a bull shark of about 8 feet tried to eat a hooked mackerel at the boat. Despite being a little spooky, it was awesome to see something so large.
A hook with a long shank can be used instead of traditional single-strand wire. Use 30-pound leader material attached to a light spinning outfit. It is important to fight the fish easily instead of "horsing" it in. Many macks will be foul-hooked in the skin, and the hook will tear out easily if the drag is not set propely. These are open-water fish and can be played out easily without worry of getting broken off by a structure.
Bring plenty of hooks and use caution when handling fish. They have sharp teeth and are not afraid to use them.
- Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call 813 310-6531 or e-mail www.snookfish.com