Kingfish season is here with numerous catches being reported.
Early season kingfishing can be a hit-and-miss proposition. The key is structure and bait schools. Don't waste time trolling from one place to another. After you work an area that looks good, pick up and run to your next location. This technique will ensure the maximum time in productive areas.
The time-tested method for early season kings is using planers, No. 2 and 3, and king spoons. You will catch lots of kingfish with this method, but we have found that bigger kings are caught on light tackle while slow-trolling live bait. We prefer using live bait with downriggers. Place two baits down and three or four on the surface. This tactic covers the entire water column and allows the angler to hook, fight, and bring the fish to the gaff all on his own.
Places to look for kings are the Clearwater hard bottom in the morning, the Rube Allyn, South County wreck, the Egmont Channel markers and the Ten Fathom wreck. Nearshore reefs worth looking at include the Madeira and Treasure Island reefs. Live bait schools are lined along our beaches. Spanish mackerel are plentiful and can be found under mackerel birds feeding on the "pieces parts" left from feeding macks.
Larry "Huffy" Hoffman charters out of John's Pass, Treasure Island. Call 727 709-9396 or e-mail him at huffyl@tampabay.rr.com
