Outdoors

Captain's Corner

By ED WALKER, Times Correspondent
Published November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving is considered a landmark date for area anglers. For years it has been regarded as the traditional end of the fall kingfish run. That's not to say there will not be more kings caught, but during normal seasons things tend to wind down by now.

Mullet run: It is also the beginning of the roe season. For the past few weeks the eggs inside the female mullet have been hydrating in preparation for spawning. As the eggs are ripening, females and males begin to gather in huge schools. These schools linger on the flats, in canals and inside area rivers. When the strong northwesterly winds of a cold front hit, the fish dash offshore where they complete their spawning rituals.

Redfish connection: When these mullet settle in on the flats, several species of game fish mingle with them. Redfish are the most reliable. The more mullet you find jumping and milling around on a grass flat, the more likely there are reds about. Ease over to the flipping, finning mass and cast a gold spoon or scented soft plastic bait into it. If that does not produce what you are after, try casting a couple of rods baited with live sardines. The reds will get in the midst of the mullet, so try not to spook the school.

Ed Walker charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at info@lighttacklecharters.com or 727 944-3474.

[Last modified November 21, 2007, 20:59:22]