Captain's Corner

By TROY P. SAPP
Published October 20, 2007

Cooling waters

The lower morning temperatures have started to bring a change to the fishing opportunities in our area. With the bait fish migrating through to their winter haunts, the predators are not far behind.

The mainly east winds recently have brought the bait close to the beach, and the Spanish mackerel and kingfish are right with them. A recent trip to 18 feet of water produced a catch of numerous large mackerel and several kings along with cobia, grouper and some sharks.

Best bait

The bait of choice has been a live sardine fished with 60- to 80-pound mono leader and extra long shank No. 3 eagle claw hooks. You should bring plenty of hooks because there will be numerous cutoffs on the mono leader, but you will land plenty. The mono has been important with the water being so clear, and it allows for a much better presentation than wire with the live baits.

This action should continue to get better and will last until the first major cold fronts send the bait and the fish heading to the south. So now is the time to get out and enjoy this action while the fish are close. Look for the bait and the fish to be holding on the artificial reefs and hard-bottom areas anywhere from 20 feet of water on out.

Capt. Troy P. Sapp at Fins and Tails Guide Service can be reached at (813) 920-6928

[Last modified October 19, 2007, 20:16:00]