Sports: Captain's Corner

Sports

Special report

Last mission to repair the Hubble telescope
Hubble space telescope discoveries have enriched our understanding of the cosmos. In this special report, you will see facts about the Hubble space telescope, discoveries it has made and what the last mission's goals are.
More special reports

Video report

For their own good
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
More video reports

Multimedia report

Rays fan guide to the Trop
Here are some insider tips to Tropicana Field and area information.
More multimedia reports

Captain's Corner

By JAY MASTRY
Published August 28, 2007

What's hot: Mangrove snapper in the mouth of Tampa Bay and scallops just off the coast of Bayport. Only a few weeks remain to get in on the scallop action - the season closes Sept.  10.

Technique: On a recent trip, we worked the edge of the ship channel between the Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key. Thirty mangos, a couple of keeper grouper, a bunch of shorts and a couple of doormat-sized flounder bit during the last of the incoming tide. Twenty-pound test, 11/2 feet of 30-pound test leader, a 2-ounce egg sinker and 1/0 hook were best for snapper. Three-inch whitebait is my favorite when mangrove snapper fishing in the bay, but we settled for greenbacks. Gathering scallops is easy with a mask, snorkel, fins and a mesh catch bag. Sunday we worked grass beds in 6 to 7 feet and had our 10-gallon limit by 9:30 a.m. Get scallops on ice right away - that opens the shell to ease cleaning.

Outdoors

Captain's Corner