Captain's corner

By BROCK BLACKMORE

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 4, 2000

If you have not had the opportunity to do some fishing lately, you definitely are missing out.

Inshore fishing last week was productive for snook, redfish, Spanish mackerel, cobia and tarpon. Keeper-sized snook were mixed in with schools of redfish along the flats of Weedon Island and MacDill. These reds and snook were found around oyster bars and shallow grass flats on incoming tide. The bait of choice was scaled sardines.

Schooling Spanish mackerel have been plentiful throughout the bay area from the mouth of Tampa Bay to the Howard Frankland Bridge. Target these Spanish with a 1/0 long shank hook attached to a 30-pound leader on No. 8 spinning gear and a small to medium sardine.

If you have the patience to search for cobia, success will be had. Use sardines or pinfish on medium spinning gear with a 40-pound leader.

For some high-leaping action, don't overlook the tarpon. These fish can be found in all the well-known local hot spots. Local experts do well on artificial lures and a variety of live baits.

Plan your fishing trip according to the tides and have a fish-filled day.

-- Brock Blackmore charters out of Tampa. Call (813) 837-8698.

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