Captain's Corner

By Capt. Robert McCue
Published September 1, 2007

Thelate summer migration of schooling reds has begun. Pockets of these fish can be found on the low rising tides around small islands, river and creek mouths, flooded oyster bars and small cul-de-sacs just outside the main current flow. Some better areas are being plagued with floating grass. In these areas, apply your efforts to the lee side, where the surface is clear of this natural phenomenon.

Labor Day weekend

Plenty of boating traffic will occur during Labor Day weekend. Your redfish efforts might be best applied after the weekend because the fish do not tolerate noise well. There are few better ways to spend quality boat time with the family, stay cool and catch dinner than scalloping.

Finding tasty morsels

State regulations mandate that you may only harvest scallops north of the Pasco-Hernando border. Your efforts might be best applied off Homosassa. While a fleet will be clearly visible this weekend, finding more quiet surroundings for scalloping is not difficult. Scallops prefer areas around bladed grass, and their lightly colored shells and blue eyes can be easily spotted with a good pair of polarized glasses. The preferred depth is 6 feet, but one might find them shallower with the weekend's midday low tides and high sun (best conditions). A snorkel, fins, mesh bag and a pair of hands is all the fishing gear you need.

The rules

You must clearly display a dive flag while scalloping. Each person must have a Florida saltwater fishing license. Recreational harvesters are limited to two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or one pint of bay scallop meat per day during the open season. Recreational scallopers may possess no more than 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or a half gallon of bay scallop meat aboard any vessel at any time. Season closes Sept. 10. Save the adult beverages for the shucking ritual on land. On the water, you must be on your best lookout.

Capt. Robert McCue can be reached at 1-800-833-0489 or www.gianttarpon.com.

[Last modified August 31, 2007, 20:30:08]