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Captain's Corner: Tarpon diminished, but still catchable

 
Published Aug. 8, 2017

For those who have not had their fill of tarpon, it's certainly not too late. From Sand Key to Longboat Key and beyond, tarpon continue to cruise the edges of our beaches. You're unlikely see the big schools of a month or two ago, but a keen eye will reveal the singles, pairs and small bunches that are not finished migrating. Several fresh, dead shad fly-lined on the bottom while anchored in 10-15 feet will likely get some rods bent. Live baiters get their share suspending pinfish, large greenbacks or whitebait, or small crabs beneath their corks. Tampa Bay is known to draw large herds of late-season tarpon, and they'll chase bait schools well inside it. One day they'll be at Lizard's Flats along the Howard Frankland Bridge; the next, on Turtle Rock on the Tampa side. Take a peek at Port Manatee. They like to settle there late season, and this full moon phase could help.

Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.