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Captain's Corner: Lack of baitfish is the buzz

 
Published June 21, 2017

The buzz on the docks around the southern tip of Pinellas County has been the lack of baitfish in the area. Schools of large, full-grown threadfins suitable for tarpon fishing have been available, but the typical inshore 3- to 4-inch scaled sardines and smaller herring have been nonexistent. Newly hatched fry baits are showing up daily across many shallow grassy areas, drawing the attention of birds, but they are weeks away from being a usable size even when throwing a quarter-inch mesh net. In this situation, cut bait is helpful. Sea bass, flounder and snapper have responded well to cut offerings when bottom fishing over natural hard bottom inside the bay. Redfish and snook have also been productive with cut bait around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. If none of these options are appealing, go with artificial lures and flies.

Brent Gaskill runs Summer Vacation Charters out of the St. Petersburg area and can be reached at captbrent@summervacationcharters.com and (727) 510-1009.