It's May, water temperature is pushing 80 degrees, and if you don't have tarpon fever, you'll likely catch it soon.
Documented reports of catches and releases have come from the Skyway, Howard Frankland and Gandy bridges. A large school of silver kings was recently seen terrorizing a school of shad north of the Courtney Campbell Parkway near Safety Harbor. Bill Miller has jumped several and caught a few, most within eyesight of the Weedon Island Power Plant.
Gadsen Point and hard bottom areas off of Rocky Point have long been early season favorites of mine. I've also caught many May tarpon in the Manatee River.
The majority of kingfish move on in 80 degree temperatures but tarpon thrive on it. Look for schools of southbound tarpon to be abundant along our Gulf Beaches.
With one of the most popular kingfish tournaments of the year yet to come (this Saturday), don't put those stinger rigs away just yet.
During last weekend's tournament, scattered catches were reported from Boca Grande Pass to the Dunedin Reef. A few kings were caught inside the bay, some at the beginning of the Egmont Ships Channel. There were some caught at the South County artificial reef and a few caught by those grinding it out at the "Parking Lot," the popular area in 28-30 feet off Blinds Pass.
- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.
