Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By ROB GORTA
Published May 9, 2006

Two of the most popular fish in Florida are starting to show up in the bay area. The first is permit. They can be found in swash channels on beaches, offshore wrecks and artificial reefs.

The key to catching permit is to be as quiet as possible. A running outboard motor will send permit off of a sand flat or send them deep. On reefs, they can be seen on the surface, above the bottom structure. Anchoring up current of the reef and waiting for them with a live crab or shrimp will likely draw a strike. Crustaceans are the best bait to use for catching one of the best game fish in Florida.

The second is tarpon, which have shown up in big numbers. I have heard reports from other guide friends that they are catching them everywhere. Bridges are a great place to start. Anchor on the up current side of a bridge and cast live threadfin herring into the eddies behind the pilings. There will be no question if a fish strikes.

Large tackle is required because of the pilings. I like to use 80-pound braided line with an 80-pound monofilament leader. A size 4/0 hook allows the bait to swim naturally. Heavy gear is also needed to keep tarpon from fighting too long and killing themselves from total exhaustion.

Tarpon are very wary and also do not like the sound of running outboard motors. If you are lucky enough to land one of these silver kings, take the time to revive them and make sure they swim off to fight another day.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at 727 647-7606 or see www.captainrobgorta.com

[Last modified May 9, 2006, 00:42:06]