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Daily fishing report

By JAY MASTRY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published July 29, 2001

Reports of snapper being caught inshore and offshore have tantalized my taste buds, but until tarpon quit chewing, the mangroves are going to have to wait.

Perhaps not as plentiful as a month ago, there are still tarpon. Several were caught along the gulf beaches last week. Pass-a-Grille, Anna Maria and Long Boat Key are among the most productive. We spent most of our time in the bays and backwaters. Tuesday we landed a 118-pounder, and Thursday a 134-pounder ate one of our fresh shad. Late-season spots that hold fish include Sarasota and Terra Ceia bays, the Manatee River, Boca Ciega Bay, Tampa Bay and the many ports and harbors within them. It's not unusual to jump more fish than you see rolling.

The next several days we enter a phase of two-tide days instead of the preferred four. It's not that tarpon don't eat during two-tide days, they are just more selective. An hour and a half before and after the change would be my choice. The hours surrounding a solunar period are also time well spent. Remember that the minor period is no less productive than the major; the bite may just not last as long.

If catching the biggest, meanest, baddest gamefish on the coast doesn't do it for you, go mangrove fishing. It's good now, and with next weekend's full moon it's only going to get better.

- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.

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