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Captain's corner

By DAVE WALKER

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 26, 2001

The early bird gets the greenbacks. Scaled sardines (greenbacks) have been scarce during the day. This has forced anglers to net bait under bridges before dawn. This can be successful for bait collecting, but it has drawbacks. It usually is hit or miss. Many times the net will come up empty, though you would swear it was full. On the other hand, sometimes you can really score and go back to bed until sunrise. If the water is choppy or rough, it can be dangerous to people and equipment. It is best to do this with a buddy if you can get one at 2 a.m. Approach the bridge, moving uptide until you are close enough to the shadow line to throw. A 10-foot cast net with three-eighths inch mesh is the standard. Letting it sink to the bottom will yield more bait but you run the risk of hanging it up on bottom structures so expect to do some repairs.

A variety of other bait can be caught with greenies. Threadfins, shad, squid, Spanish sardines, shrimp, pass crabs and small ladyfish are just a few species that congregate in the light from the bridges.

The fish were on the flats in decent numbers before a recent cold front. Snook and reds are feeding, but not as much. With warmer weather on the way, things should pick up soon. The fish are a little sluggish on the strike. Give them another second or two before setting the hook.

Spotted sea trout are in cooler water. Try deeper grass, or oyster beds adjacent to deeper water for larger trout. Early mornings are best for the big ones.

Any day, Spanish mackerel will be here by the millions. There have been some catches as close as the Skyway.

- Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call (813) 831-0355.

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