Outdoors

Captain's Corner

By TROY P. SAPP
Published March 10, 2008

It will take a couple of days for things to get back to normal after the latest cold front and high winds. Longer days and moderate temperatures will signal the beginning of some of the best fishing of the year. The annual migration of baitfish will bring increased opportunities.

Offshore:There have been good numbers of Spanish mackerel and bonita, and grouper fishing has remained steady in shallow rock piles in state waters. Clearer water and gulf temperatures at or above 68 bringsgreat kingfish action. The buoys, hard-bottom areas and wrecks around the Egmont ship channel will be the first to see bait schools and kingfish.

Inshore:Snook, trout and redfish will be hungry after the winter layup and will be ambushing baits on the flats and back bays as they move toward the passes and beaches. Potholes, mangrove points on the shoreline and any area with underwater structure and current flow should hold fish. Casting a live, scaled sardine up-current of the target area and allowing it to drift naturally into the strike zone produces the best results. Small, live-bait circle hooks work well as they allow a natural presentation and provide a healthy release of undersized or unwanted fish.

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

[Last modified March 9, 2008, 22:37:32]