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Captain's corner

By BRENT GASKILL

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 24, 2001

Anticipation keeps fishing exciting. The annual migration of baitfish should begin with increased water temperatures. Following baitfish will be Spanish mackerel and kingfish. These open ocean swimmers are always a welcome addition to our local waters.

Spanish mackerel usually are the first to arrive as they follow schools of scaled sardines and threadfin herring up the coast. Artificial reefs are a good place to begin searching, as the high relief structure tends to congregate baits and the toothy predators that eat them.

The first person to show up with a well full of live bait is sure to experience the fastest action. Look to range markers, buoys and bridges for baits on the way out, or, just get some at the reefs when you get there. Trying to catch baits on the spot can be somewhat frustrating however, because the mackerel will cut off the gold-hook rigs used for bait.

Live shrimp is a simple alternative when baitfish are hard to find. Early season macks seem to like them better if they are drifted back in the current with the bail open. When the line starts to peel off the reel, close the bail and wind in the slack. Don't set the hook hard or it will pull out.

A frozen chum block hung off the transom will provide a steady scent trail for the fish to hone in on.

Don't forget to use a small trace of light wire ahead of the hook as cut-offs are inherent with mono leaders. Many anglers prefer a heavy mono leader, believing it draws more strikes. I prefer twisting a few wire rigs in anticipation of what is ahead.

- Brent Gaskill charters the Summer Vacation. Call (727) 867-1751.

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