Outdoors

Captain's Corner

What's hot: Though you may not see them on the surface, some of the best tarpon fishing is happening now along the gulf beaches. Following their spawning ritual, large schools of migrating silver kings break into small pods, pairs and singles. Some have filtered their way into the bays and backwaters, and many continue to use the gulf edge when traveling.

By JAY MASTRY
Published July 29, 2007

What's hot: Though you may not see them on the surface, some of the best tarpon fishing is happening now along the gulf beaches. Following their spawning ritual, large schools of migrating silver kings break into small pods, pairs and singles. Some have filtered their way into the bays and backwaters, and many continue to use the gulf edge when traveling.

Technique: Anchoring and "blind fishing" in 11-16 feet has become the most productive technique. Because fish are more active during certain hours, dialing in that time is key. Wednesday night we set our sights on a four-hour trip that included a tide change, a major solunar period and a rising moon. We lost track of how many we had on, but from just before dark until just before midnight we caught and released nine tarpon up to 125 pounds.

Bait and tackle: Some are still successful suspending live bait beneath corks. Large whitebait or greenbacks are good choices. The majority are being caught on bottom baits, and none outperform a fresh dead shad. Other bottom baits could include mullet, ladyfish, pinfish or grunts. At night I'll fish seven rods; casting them in all directions can help in dialing in the most productive depth. Sometimes re-anchoring a cast away can make all the difference.

[Last modified July 28, 2007, 23:04:34]