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Captain's corner

By DAN BROOKS

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 15, 2001

Being prepared can make the difference between a good day and a great day of fishing. Having a variety of rigged tackle is essential. For inshore fishing it is best to be ready for anything from trout to tarpon and everything in between. That means putting together a combination of tackle that is best suited for fish ranging in size from 2 pounds to 200 pounds.

A 7-foot light-action rod with 8-pound test spinning gear rigged with a 1/8-ounce soft bodied jig is perfect for catching sea trout, red drum and snook on the flats or in open water. If a cobia is spotted around a channel marker, you want to be prepared with 25- to 30-pound test spinning tackle and present a long-bodied crankbait with 40-pound test leader to seize the opportunity.

For tarpon, an 8-foot medium-)to-heavy action rod, 40- to 50-pound line, and 80-pound fluorocarbon leader rigged with an imitation mullet will do the job. Keep a small file in your tackle box to keep hooks sharp. A dull hook won't stand a chance of sticking in a tarpon's bony jaw.

Always keep an eye on what's going on around you when you are on the water. Get in the habit of preparing a few rods before you leave the dock. Being ready for every opportunity is a sure-fire way to increase chances of having a more productive day.

- Capt. Dan Brooks charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 867-7856 or by e-mail at wildd1@gte.net.

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