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© St. Petersburg Times, published December 12, 2001
The unseasonably warm weather has triggered some of the best kingfishing in years.
Normally kings migrate south in a wavelike manner. Each cold front that passes through the state pushes a new wave of fish toward us. The migration starts small in the beginning (around the first week of October), but cold fronts are common by the first of November and kings are swarming everywhere at this time. December will hold fewer numbers as the migration ends. This year, that is not the case.
As far as the kings are concerned, it is November. Plenty of baitfish can be located giving these migratory fish no reason to leave.
Weather patterns were similar about nine years ago. Kings remained through Christmas and into January. Until things cool down, expect the outstanding fishing to stay.
More than 100 kings have been brought in by clients this week. Sizes have ranged from 15 to 40-plus pounds and the morning bite has been best. Clearwater hard bottom is not the only hot spot. Kings are heavily populated a mile east of the Clearwater and Dunedin artificial reefs. This area is called the Mandalay hard bottom. Trophy-sized kings have been taken from this spot for years.
Fishing with light tackle and live bait is the only method that will work in these shallow depths. If trolling spoons and lures meet your fancy, head offshore 2 miles west of the Rube Allen. Numerous school-size kings have been located and are much more willing to strike a fake fish.
-- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com.