Captain's corner

By DAVE WALKER

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 14, 2000

Nice weather and relatively light winds, along with substantial high tides, have allowed anglers to fish almost any shoreline or mangrove area. Herds of redfish (big ones) mixed with snook have been cruising the Weedon Island area, plus some nice trout. A recent grand slam included a 25-inch snook, a 32-inch red and a 28-inch, 6-pound trout. All were caught in about 20 minutes. Later in the day seems to be the best for flats fishing.

Use greenies under floats or favorite artificials. Gold (one-quarter ounce) Chartinise jigs (one-eighth ounce) and hard surface lures are best when live bait is not desired or available.

It is common to see macks in the 4- to 6-pound range. A chum block helps. Try free-lining shrimp or greenies around range markers or in the shipping channels. Keep an eye out for the occasional cobia.

Snook are thick but lack size.

Mangrove snapper are plentiful. Range markers, bridges and rock piles are a good bet. Use shrimp or small greenbacks for the snaps. A tip about snapper: Bring plenty of bait! They are clever fish with a bad attitude.

-- Dave Walker charters out of Light Tackle Fishing Expeditions. Call (813) 249-5224.

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