Captain's corner

By BRENT GASKILL

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 19, 2000

Small sharks have kept many anglers busy on the flats lately. The sharks' hard-fighting power and long runs have put a big-game spin on 8-pound test rigs intended for trout or redfish.

Bonnetheads, black tips and common sand sharks invade the flats this time of year looking for an easy meal. Many are in the 2- to 4-foot range, and they provide great sport on the light tackle.

Rigging has not been complicated. Most fish have been caught on 20-pound monofilament leaders and shrimp suspended under a float with rattles. When cut-offs become a problem, I add about 4 inches of No. 2 wire above the hook. Alternate baits have been small pinfish, whitebait or threadfins.

Drifting across the grass flats on high tides has been an effective way of locating sharks as they cruise the sandy potholes looking for lunch. During the lower tide phases, we anchored on the edge of the flat and put a frozen chum block over the side, which brought the sharks to us. Landing these small sharks can be a toothy experience. A pair of long, needle-nose pliers is necessary. I grab the shark around the base of its tail to gain control, be careful, however, as these sharks can turn around and bite their own tail.

When bled, gutted and prepared properly by encapsulating them in ice, these small sharks make great table fare. Try deep frying shark nuggets or marinating a shark steak in teriyaki sauce and grilling it.

-- Brent Gaskill charters the Summer Vacation. Call (727) 867-1751.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

Headlines

Americans Lose in 1st Round of Davis Cup

---