TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Kingfish Have Arrived In Area, Spanish Mackerel Are Plentiful

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 25, 2007

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Bill Miller.

Looks like the kingfish have arrived along our coast. Kings have been reported from Bayport to Boca Grande. During a tournament this past weekend, kings over 20 pounds were caught at the Clearwater hard bottom, offshore of the Redington Pier, at the Betty Rose, Indian Shores Reef, Blind Pass Drop, Egmont ship channel, the Short Jack Hole and even as far offshore as the Middle Grounds. Slow-trolling big live baits produced the winning fish.
Spanish mackerel are all over the Gulf beaches and inside Tampa Bay. Trolling spoons behind planers will usually catch your limit. Diving birds and striking fish are a good indication of hungry mackerel schools.

Snook are starting to heat up in Terra Ceia and Miguel bays. Captain Billy Miller reports good snook action at Weedon Island. White bait is the bait of choice.

Dick Gualardo has been limiting out on trout in Hillsborough Bay. Shrimp under a popping cork has produced hot bites at Long Bar and the Kitchen. Trout season closes soon in the South region. Check the regulations before keeping speckled trout.

Tarpon are still here and staging along the beaches for their winter journey to warmer waters. Look for high-diving birds, and fish the bait pods with big free-lined threadfins or pinfish. Baitfish-colored 77M MirrOlures or Bait-Busters will also work.

Captain Bill Miller hosts 'Hooked on Fishing' on Thursdays and Sundays from 7-8 p.m., and Fridays and Mondays from 11 a.m.-noon on Bright House Networks Catch 47.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT