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Tarpon hot on both tides

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 26, 2009

Updated: 04/26/2009 12:12 am

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

Tarpon have arrived in big numbers at the Sunshine Skyway, and they are hungry. Captain Craig Lahr and captain Billy Miller have been jumping tarpon on both the incoming and outgoing tides using live greenbacks and white bait.

Spanish mackerel are biting well at the Skyway on the outgoing tide in the afternoon. Usually, it is just the opposite. Live or fresh-cut greenbacks have been the best bait, outperforming the reliable silver spoon. Lighten your leader to 17- or 15-pound test for more bites.

Captain Chris Clark put the "Hooked on Fishing" film crew on a terrific kingfish bite despite the rough weather Wednesday. The Egmont Channel was the place, and live white bait was the trigger for the schoolie kings. We had one king that weighed 23 pounds caught on a blue runner. Blue runners can be jigged up around the channel markers. Many of the kings are barely legal size and can be confused with Spanish. Minimum size for kings is 24 inches to the fork of the tail.

On my charters this week we have started our day with nonstop kingfish action. When all arms were tired and the bag limit reached, we headed inshore to jump tarpon, and on the way home we limited out on nice fat trout.

Captain Bill Miller hosts "Hooked on Fishing" on BHSN, Channel 47. To book a charter with captain Bill or his son captain Billy, call (813) 363-9926. Captain Bill Miller hosts "Hooked on Fishing" on BHSN, Channel 47. To book a charter with captain Bill or

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