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Captain's Corner: Options abound within a mile of shore

 
Published Oct. 27, 2012

What's hot: Before the north wind started blowing, we had a long stretch with an offshore breeze, which created excellent conditions for nearshore fishing. Spanish mackerel, kingfish and big sharks have been plentiful within a mile from shore.

Baiting up: Pilchards have been plentiful along the swash channel on the beach. Loading your livewell with 2- to- 3-inchers ensures constant action nearshore and on hard bottoms. A fresh, tournament-grade chum block will help to draw in fish from greater distances.

Tactics: Using light rods spooled with 15-pound braid will give you ample line to land most kingfish. Bring plenty of bait so you can chum aggressively. A 2/0 long shank hook and a 12-inch piece of light wire connected to a few feet of 30-pound fluorocarbon tied to the braid makes up the terminal end of things.

What else: Blacktip and spinner sharks are following the mackerel. Tired of getting beaten by them, we changed to heavy wire and big circle hooks. Sending the remains of a mackerel or bonita on a heavier, conventional rod after the fish has been ravaged by a shark allowed us to bring some sharks boatside.

Tyson Wallerstein runs Inshore Fishing Charters in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area and can be reached at (727) 692-5868 and via email capt.tyson@hotmail.com.