Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By STEVE PAPEN
Published June 28, 2006

While bottom fishing offshore, it is always a good idea to have a couple other rigs ready. I have had success with a flat line. It's a simple rig consisting of a midsized conventional or spinning reel loaded with at least 300 yards of 15- to 20-pound line. Terminal tackle includes either a stinger rig or a length of 40- to 50-pound mono and a 4/0 hook. This setup can be deployed behind the boat while at anchor. We have enjoyed many different surprises such as sailfish, king mackerel, dorado, blackfin tuna and even wahoo using this technique. Some of the better baits are live Spanish sardines, cigar minnows and medium-sized blue runners. Dead baits such as Spanish sardines or tinker mackerel also work well, sometimes better than live. It is a good idea to chum with a block or a steady stream of cut sardines.

A second rig to keep handy is a variety of small to medium-sized jigs or pitch baits. These are perfect for cobia or dorado, fish known for swimming right up to the boat. Keep various rigs available, because while dorado will usually weigh less than five pounds, cobia can and do reach the 50-pound mark. White is always a good color for artificials, but a green or pink pattern also works well. On a recent trip offshore we were gathering bait at the shipping channel and were rewarded for having a rod rigged when a 30-pound cobia approached the boat. Since we were ready for him, he was hooked within seconds.

Steve Papen charters out of Indian Shores and can be reached at (727) 642-3411.

[Last modified June 28, 2006, 06:38:10]