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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 20, 2001
The fall run of kingfish is hanging just north of the Clearwater area. A tight concentration of 72-degree water is keeping the kings schooled up.
This is the best time to target the kings. The ones in front of the run are true smokers. Water temperatures in the low 70s in only a few spots makes finding them easier.
When the water is between 68 and 74 degrees across the gulf, the kings will spread out. Pull out the big baits if you are looking for big fish. Shad, ladyfish, mullet and threadfins work great when slow trolled over the hard bottom close to shore.
As you go farther offshore, use baits that hang in deeper water. Spanish sardines, cigar minnows, threadfins and blue runners work well in deeper areas.
The Clearwater hard bottom in 18 feet just south of the pass should be one of the first spots to try. This area contains fish when the wind has been out of the east for a few days.
Slow troll the area on days when the tides are weak. When the new and full moons pull in stronger tides, anchor and chum. You will need a throw ball on the anchor if you want to land a smoker. Most big kings can run off all of your line before you pull in the anchor. Tie the ball to the anchor line and get ready to throw it all in the water when a rod screams. -- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.