Outdoors

Captain's Corner

By Dave Zalewski, Times Correspondent
Published March 4, 2008

What's hot: No one is complaining that kingfish season, which traditionally starts on St. Patrick's Day March 17, has started already. Kingfish made a strong showing last weekend with limit catches (two per person per day, 24-inch minimum fork length) being made by most boats who targeted them. The fish were the small "schoolies" less than 10 pounds, and it was necessary to catch several undersized ones to put one in the box. A dehooker made it easier to release the small ones. Mixed in with the kingfish were bonita and Spanish mackerel.

Tactics: All of the midwater artificial reefs such as the South County, Indian Shores and Rube Alayn are holding kingfish. Because it is early in the season, not every piece of structure on the reef will harbor bait and fish. Trolling with planers and spoons at 6 knots until the schools of fish are found is more effective than anchoring and chumming or slow trolling with live bait.

Tip: Use of a 25-foot length of 40- or 50-pound test leader between the planer and spoon or small, lipped plug is necessary to obtain the most strikes. Tying the leader directly to the lure without the use of wire will result in some loss of tackle but is much more effective.

[Last modified March 3, 2008, 23:09:55]