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By JAY MASTRY
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 3, 2001
Smoker kingfish have shown up right on time, with tournaments scheduled each weekend this month and into the next. Randy Keyes and his crew landed a 44-pounder Saturday and there were several 30-pounders Sunday despite 15-20 mph winds. Clean water and concentration of bait has been instrumental in our search for kings. Until the weather stabilizes, have options. You might check several spots before you hit the right combination.
Though kings rule this month, amberjack and permit steal some of the show. Reefs, wrecks, and ledges at 45-120 feet have been at times stacked with them. Some have been unable to troll baits past the backbreaking "AJs."
Though permit prefer small crabs, they are often difficult to acquire. Carlos Lima has been consistently enticing them to inhale large, fly-lined shrimp. Tricked by nearly invisible 10-pound test, they have been up to 25 pounds and often take a half hour to subdue.
Schools of permit roam, making it unnecessary to anchor on top of a wreck. Stay just off it for a better chance of keeping a cobia or amberjack from cutting you off on the structure.
Grouper digging has kept us busy while waiting for kings. Fifty to 65 feet has been productive and now that the water temperature is warming, live bait is preferred.
- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.