Outdoors

Captain's Corner

By JAY MASTRY, Times Correspondent
Published October 7, 2007

What's hot: The gradually dropping water temperature is sure to help pick up the inshore grouper bite, but until then, mangrove snapper dominate the bottom-fishing scene. "Mangos" prefer to do their chewing during the full moon phase but they don't mind snacking some with the lights on.

Bait selection: Though armed with a variety of baits, 3-inch Spanish sardines have proved irresistible. Throwing a quarter-inch cast net along the light line of the structure C bridge along the Pinellas Bayway before daylight provided all the whitebait, greenbacks and sardines needed.

Tidal issues: Because tides run significantly stronger during the full moon phase, and especially when funneled through the relatively narrow mouth of Tampa Bay, fishing the ships channel can be a challenge. Tidal flow can be so strong during mid tides that keeping baits on the bottom is nearly impossible. A quick study of a tide chart can tune you into the slower tides surrounding the change and consequently the more productive hours to fish.

Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 321-2142.

[Last modified October 6, 2007, 18:42:36]