Captain's corner

By RICK FRAZIER

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 13, 2000

Now that the water temperature is creeping into the 80s, you can bet the tarpon are going to be thick all over their usual haunts.

Start by cruising the beaches as the sun is coming up. Idle down the coastline and get as close to the beach as legally possible so you can put the rising sun at your back. Look west for silver flashes. Once you spot a pod and determine which direction it's heading, get way out in front, drop anchor and wait for the fish to come to you. Have your corked pinfish dangling in the water for a quick cast. A little before the pod is within casting range, throw your pinner in front of the lead fish. Tarpon eat on the way up when they are rolling, so have the bait waiting in front of their noses so they see it when they surface. You don't want to wait too long to cast because, if your bait lands in the middle of the pod, you could spook the school and your chance may be gone.

Two hours before the tide change, head to one of the major bay bridges and free-line threadfin herring next to the pilings. Work both ends of the tide. Tarpon seem to prefer an hour or two before and after each change.

Tie a float to your anchor line so when you hook a tarpon you can just chuck the float and line overboard to get away from the bridge quickly. It could mean the difference between winning and losing.

- Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters in St. Petersburg. Call (727) 526-2590.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.