Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By ED WALKER
Published July 5, 2005

Red Tide is making a mess of inshore fishing in north Pinellas. From Three Rooker Bar south, fishing the flats is essentially pointless. Anclote Key has been spared massive fish kills but that could change as the deadly plankton bloom creeps north. Those seeking decent inshore fishing should plan to run at least to Tarpon Springs if not farther north.

Many have boated to Homosassa to catch scallops. Preliminary reports indicate this is a banner year. Mark, Sue and Dustin Augustin reported catching their limit within a few hours of discovering an area overlooked by scallop hunters. Scallops generally are found in 3 to 6 feet scattered over a grassy bottom.

The standard method of collection is to grab them while snorkeling in clear, shallow water. Ideally the scallops are placed on ice immediately. By the time you get back to the dock, the chill should have caused most to open slightly, allowing you to slide a sharpened spoon or small knife inside, cut the muscle and open it completely. Discard all the animal, keeping the small but delicious segment that held the shells together.

--Ed Walker charters out of Tarpon Springs. Call 727 944-3474 or e-mail info@lighttacklecharters.com

[Last modified July 5, 2005, 01:34:07]