Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By JAY MASTRY
Published June 19, 2006

Schools of tarpon that scattered and moved offshore when the tropical storm pounded the gulf beaches have regrouped within a quarter-mile from shore. Light easterly winds have calmed the gulf and allowed nearshore waters to clear. Schools of bait are being drawn back in, and tarpon are taking advantage.

Jeff Mastry spent some quality time fishing with dad, Gary, the day before Father's Day. Working schools of tarpon along the beaches of Manatee County, they jumped a half-dozen silverkings and released a couple they estimated to be more than 100 pounds. Others reported similar activity along Pinellas beaches.

Time will tell if the storm helped blow away the nagging stringy algae that has blanketed the bottom in several areas along the beaches. The angel hair algae that covers bait and clumps on swivels and leaders within minutes of being cast has made bottom fishing for tarpon difficult.

Reanchoring a couple hundred yards away sometimes solves the problem. Another option is live bait, which tends to stay off the bottom and is easily found by the approaching fish. Suspending live bait beneath a cork ensures it won't get covered up. Experiment with different depths. When schools of tarpon are rolling on the surface but not showing themselves often, as if they are going deep between showings, increase the distance of your bait under the cork.

When the tarpon are showing often and hovering just under the surface, shorten the length to 4 or 5 feet. Change baits often, as they get worn out and lethargic after being cast repeatedly.

--Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.

[Last modified June 19, 2006, 02:11:41]