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By BRENT GASKILL
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 28, 2001
If you believe your inshore fishing has slowed with the summer heat, you're not alone. It's time to change tactics if line-sizzling action is what you're after.
Sharks are plentiful and willing to peel line off light-tackle outfits. Several species can be found in the bay and along coastal beaches. Targeting natural hard bottom guarantees success. For those not familiar with outcroppings of limestone, soft corals and sponges, look for artificial reefs or spoil areas along the shipping channel to get started. A chart will identify these spots. Recent trips have produced blacktips, lemons, bonnetheads and nurse sharks. Anchoring in approximately 20 feet and using a frozen chum block on the surface and a second block on bottom in a metal cage has drawn sharks to the boat within a few minutes of arrival. Several baits work, but frozen sardines have been hit as soon as they reach bottom.
Bycatch of small grouper, snapper and sea bass keep it interesting. Most are undersized, but don't be surprised if a keeper grabs your bait. Sharks are great to eat, but they should be eaten fresh and never frozen. Keep one for the grill and release the rest.
- Capt. Brent Gaskill charters the Summer Vacation out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 343-1765 or by e-mail at gaskill@tampabay.rr.com.