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Tampa Bay Lightning trades Dominic Moore, asks Pavel Kubina for his trade options

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

TAMPA — Funny guy that Steve Yzerman.

After the Lightning general manager announced Thursday that he asked defenseman Pavel Kubina for a list of five teams to which he would accept a trade, Yzerman said, "This doesn't make it official the sale is on."

But a few hours later, Yzerman announced he traded center Dominic Moore and a seventh-round pick to the Sharks for a 2012 second-round pick.

"We're not going to give people away," Yzerman reiterated. "But if deals make sense and what we're bringing in makes us a better organization, we'll do that. We're not going to unload guys for the sake of unloading them."

Yzerman's busy day backed up what he indicated Wednesday: With the team facing formidable odds to make the playoffs, he likely would be a seller as the Feb. 27 trade deadline approached.

With the Sharks facing the Lightning at the Tampa Bay Times Forum — Tampa Bay won 6-5 in overtime — Yzerman said the Moore deal came together quickly and a second-round pick was too good to pass up.

Tampa Bay now has three second-round picks in the June draft. The one acquired Thursday first belonged to the Wild, which is 22nd in the 30-team league. That should set up Tampa Bay in fairly good drafting position.

As for having three second-round picks, "That gives us a lot of options," Yzerman said.

Those include using the picks, trading picks to move up in the draft or, perhaps, for prospects who, as Yzerman said, "are closer to playing in the NHL."

Picks and prospects are the trade deadline priority for Yzerman so he can keep rebuilding the team's organizational depth.

Consider what Kubina, 34, will command if Moore returned a second-rounder.

Seasoned defense­men are like gold, and Kubina, 6 feet 4, 258 pounds and a member of the Lightning's 2004 Stanley Cup team, has played well with three goals and 11 points in 52 games. He also is plus-1 with an average ice time of 19:54.

It is believed the Rangers have interest, but the Red Wings and Bruins also need blue line help. Depending on Kubina's list, a function of the limited no-trade clause in his contract, there could be a bidding war.

Yzerman did not say if a trade is imminent but said, "until the situation is resolved (and) to protect out interests," Kubina will be kept off the ice. He did not play Thursday. Neither did Moore, 31, the versatile third-line center.

"Those guys are going to be missed," right wing Marty St. Louis said. "They're great players, but they're great people."

Neither was around to comment. Both, though, fit the trade deadline model of potential unrestricted free agents. Tampa Bay has more in defensemen Brett Clark, Bruno Gervais and Matt Gilroy, forwards Adam Hall and Ryan Shannon and goaltender Dwayne Roloson.

Right wing Steve Downie also has been in the rumor mill.

"We'll be making our decisions on a player-by-player basis or an opportunity-by-opportunity basis," Yzerman said. "The broader strategy is we want to be a better team. If we want to be a Cup contender, we have to do some things to become that."


Tampa Bay Lightning beats San Jose Sharks 6-5 in overtime

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

TAMPA — The Lightning made two moves Thursday it hopes will address its future.

But Marty St. Louis said it is still not time to put the season in the past.

"At the end of the day we're still going to fight regardless of what's going on around us. We have to," he said. "There's 26 games left. That's like a third of the season. There's a lot of time. You start winning games, you never know."

St. Louis did his part with two goals, the second with 32.8 seconds left in overtime to give Tampa Bay a 6-5 victory over the Sharks at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Coach Guy Boucher called it a "character, character, character" win after center Dominic Moore was traded to San Jose shortly before the game and defenseman Pavel Kubina sat as he waits to be dealt.

Steven Stamkos had two goals and four points in his 300th game. Victor Hedman had three assists. Teddy Purcell and Steve Downie also scored, and Brendan Mikkelson had his first two Lightning points, both on assists.

It all would have been for naught without Dwayne Roloson, who made 45 saves on 50 shots, the most ever against the Lightning at home and tying the most against it overall.

The victory moves Tampa Bay (25-26-6) to eight points of the final playoff spot in the East.

"You don't want to be in June, 40 rounds of golf deep at that time, and you wish you did this and did that," St. Louis said. "Just leave it out there. You never know."

The Sharks had a slight edge in play in the first period and outshot the Lightning 17-13, but the Lightning had a 2-1 lead.

The Sharks took a 1-0 lead on Logan Couture's power-play goal 1:16 in on a rebound. That came shortly after Roloson stopped Joe Pavelski, who was alone in front of the net.

Stamkos made it 1-1 at 9:30, when he backhanded in a rebound of Mikkelson's shot that was stopped by Antti Niemi.

It was 2-1 with 24.4 seconds left when Purcell, on the power play, wristed a shot from the left wing boards between Niemi's legs.

The second period was wild as the Sharks had a 20-4 shot advantage and took a 4-3 lead.

Michal Handzus made the score 2-2 1:44 in. And it stayed that way until the team's combined for three goals in 96 seconds.

Downie scored with 5:52 left when his shot hit a post then ricocheted in off Niemi's back. Marc-Edouard Vlasic answered 31 seconds later from the slot, and Sharks defenseman Colin White scored his first goal in 149 games with 4:16 left to make it 4-3 after Roloson allowed a juicy rebound.

Notes: With defenseman Matt Gilroy in the lineup after missing three games with a left hand injury, general manager Steve Yzerman said he has no immediate plans to call up a blue-liner from AHL Norfolk. That could change if defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron, who has missed 14 of 15 games with a back injury, does not heal quickly. "Potentially for Saturday, we'll have another defenseman here," Yzerman said. … The Maple Leafs had the most impressive presence at the Times Forum with director of player personnel Rick Dudley and a scout in attendance.

Lightning21216
Sharks13105

First Period1, San Jose, Couture 24 (Thornton, Marleau), 1:16 (pp). 2, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 38 (Mikkelson, Downie), 9:30. 3, Tampa Bay, Purcell 14 (Mikkelson, Stamkos), 19:35 (pp). PenaltiesHedman, TB (delay of game), :26; Hedman, TB (hooking), 11:20; Clowe, SJ (goaltender interference), 19:26.

Second Period4, San Jose, Handzus 7 (McGinn, Mitchell), 1:44. 5, Tampa Bay, Downie 12 (Brewer, Hedman), 14:08. 6, San Jose, Vlasic 4 (Wingels, Boyle), 14:37. 7, San Jose, White 1 (McGinn, Mitchell), 15:44. PenaltiesPyatt, TB (hooking), 6:34.

Third Period8, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 39 (Hedman, Malone), 2:44. 9, Tampa Bay, St. Louis 17 (Lecavalier, Purcell), 8:01. 10, San Jose, Wingels 2 (Couture, Boyle), 14:50. PenaltiesNone.

Overtime11, Tampa Bay, St. Louis 18 (Hedman, Stamkos), 4:27. PenaltiesNone. Shots on GoalSan Jose 17-20-8-5—50. Tampa Bay 13-4-7-1—25. Power-play opportunitiesSan Jose 1 of 3; Tampa Bay 1 of 1. GoaliesSan Jose, Niemi 23-13-6 (25 shots-19 saves). Tampa Bay, Roloson 8-11-2 (50-45). A16,819 (19,204).

Florida State Seminoles rally past Virginia Tech Hokies 48-47 with 3 in final seconds

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Times wires
Thursday, February 16, 2012

TALLAHASSEE — A night Florida State's Michael Snaer wanted to forget turned out to be one he'll always remember.

Snaer's 3-pointer with 2.6 seconds left boosted No. 20 Florida State to a 48-47 victory over Virginia Tech on Thursday night, capping an improbable finish that kept the Seminoles in a three-way tie for first place in the ACC.

"Mike is very confident in his ability to knock the shot down because he's a gym rat," FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said of Snaer, whose 3-pointer at the buzzer beat Duke last month. "He's in the gym so much knocking those shots down that he has confidence. It doesn't bother him that he's missed several."

Snaer had been having a miserable game. He picked up an early technical foul and before the winning shot had six points, badly missing three 3-pointers.

FSU (18-7, 9-2 ACC) trailed 45-37 with 1:29 left in the game, but the Hokies missed 5 of 6 free throws over the final 1:09 to leave the door open for Snaer's winner from the right side. He finished 4-of-10 shooting.

"The basketball gods just smiled on us in this one," Hamilton said. "You've got to go and take games. People are not going to give them to you."

Ian Miller's 3 from the corner with 44 seconds left got the Seminoles within 47-45.

"You don't have time to think about where your sweet spot is," Snaer said. "You've just got to put it up. When you've done it before it's not hard to believe you can do it again."

Tech (14-12, 3-8) had a chance to take a two-possession lead when Jarell Eddie was fouled grabbing an offensive rebound with 10.2 seconds left. But he began to cramp up. Robert Brown was selected to take the free throws and missed both.

"In the end it had nothing to do with made field goals," Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg said. "It's real simple: You step up and make free throws and the game is over. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out."

Erick Green led Tech with 18 points and was nearly fouled as he launched a last-second 3 that bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded.

"We got the look we could get with two seconds left," Greenberg said. "John Wooden couldn't have drawn up a play with no timeouts. You try to get the ball up the floor."

A 17-0 run to start the second half sent the Hokies to a 40-25 lead with 14:09 left.

The Seminoles, who have won nine of 10, caught back up to idle North Carolina in the ACC standings and Duke also kept pace by beating N.C. State.

James a Cavalier again? Maybe

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Times wires
Thursday, February 16, 2012

CLEVELAND — After practicing in a gym where he refined his game for seven seasons, Heat star LeBron James said Thursday that he would not rule out a return to the Cavaliers, the team he carried to the brink of a title before he spurned an entire region by leaving as a free agent in 2010.

Asked if he could play for the Cavs again, James initially paused.

"I don't know. I think it would be great," he said. "It would be fun to play in front of these fans again. I had a lot fun times in my seven years here. You can't predict the future, and hopefully, I continue to stay healthy. I'm here as a Miami Heat player, and I'm happy where I am now, but I don't rule that out in no sense. And if I decide to come back, hopefully the fans will accept me."

James' comments may have been calculated, coming a day before the Cavs host the Heat for the third time since the messy exit from Cleveland.

James said he has made no attempt to patch things with Cavs owner James Gilbert, who had criticized James in a letter to Cleveland's fans. But James said he can envision being friends again with Gilbert.

"I don't hold grudges," he said. "I hold them a little bit, but I don't hold them that long. He said what he said out of anger, and he would probably want to take that back. But I made a mistake, too, and there are some things I would want to take back as well."

Attempts to reach Gilbert were unsuccessful.

Game highlights: Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer each scored 24 as the host Bulls beat the Celtics 89-80. … Danny Granger scored 32 despite playing on a sprained left ankle and the host Pacers beat the Nets 93-88 to end a five-game losing streak.

Seattle arena: Christopher Hansen, a hedge-fund manager based in San Francisco and a Seattle native, is making a $290 million proposal to his hometown that could be the impetus for a new sports arena that could bring the NBA and NHL to Seattle. All he needs is city and county approval and two franchises to make it a reality.

Hansen submitted a proposal to the city that calls for $290 million in private investment toward the construction of an arena that would cost between $450 million and $500 million. Hansen and his investment group would be responsible for the purchase of an NBA franchise and finding a partner interested in bringing an NHL franchise to Seattle.

The proposal will go before a review board with King County executive Dow Constantine hoping the review could be completed within a month.

Tracking Lin-sanity: Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin, who has started six games and led the team to seven straight wins with strong performances, has been invited to take part in the All-Star Weekend's dunk contest in Orlando.

Knicks rookie and dunk entrant Iman Shumpert is likely to have Lin provide assistance, likely as a passer. The league added Lin to the Rising Stars Challenge event, thus enabling Lin to help Shumpert.

And then there's this: Madison Square Garden Inc., which owns the Knicks, has seen its stock increase 9 percent since Lin's arrival. It reached a high of $33.18 earlier this week before slipping to $31.91 Wednesday.

Around the league: Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao will not need surgery but will be out 4-6 weeks recovering from a broken wrist.

Pacers 93, Nets 88

NEW JERSEY (88): Stevenson 0-3 0-0 0, Humphries 11-14 2-2 24, She.Williams 3-6 2-2 8, D.Williams 10-24 8-9 29, Brooks 6-16 1-1 14, Emmett 1-1 1-2 3, Morrow 3-8 0-0 8, Petro 1-3 0-0 2, J.Williams 0-0 0-0 0, Gaines 0-0 0-0 0, Farmar 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 35-75 14-16 88.

INDIANA (93): Granger 10-20 8-9 32, West 6-16 4-6 16, Hibbert 5-11 3-4 13, Collison 2-8 0-0 5, George 4-8 2-2 11, Hansbrough 1-5 2-2 4, Stephenson 0-1 0-0 0, Price 3-6 1-1 8, Foster 1-1 2-2 4, Jones 0-5 0-0 0. Totals 32-81 22-26 93.

New Jersey 29 21 15 23— 88

Indiana 21 29 14 29— 93

3-Point GoalsNew Jersey 4-17 (Morrow 2-5, D.Williams 1-3, Brooks 1-6, Stevenson 0-3), Indiana 7-19 (Granger 4-7, Collison 1-2, Price 1-4, George 1-5, Stephenson 0-1). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsNew Jersey 47 (Humphries 10), Indiana 48 (Hibbert 11). AssistsNew Jersey 13 (D.Williams, Brooks 4), Indiana 16 (George 5). Total FoulsNew Jersey 23, Indiana 20. TechnicalsD.Williams. A11,117.

Florida State Fairgrounds will host professional rodeo

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By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 17, 2012

TAMPA — A taste of the Wild West will come to Tampa next month when the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds hosts the Tampa Bay Pro Rodeo March 24 and 25.

"We are very excited as an organization to hold such a prestigious event here at the State Fairgrounds," Florida State Fair Authority executive director Chuck Pesano said.

The event, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, will feature bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bareback riding. The event is a joint effort between the FSFA and the Texas-based Frontier Rodeo Company.

"We had a chance to come down and visit the facility and the Expo Hall is a tremendous venue to host a rodeo," said eight-time world champion bull rider Don Gay. "The area has so many people, and even though some might not know which end of the horse is the front, the rodeo has something for everyone in the family to enjoy."

Gay said one thing separating professional rodeo from other sports is the access and recognition granted to spectators.

"It's not like football where the players have on these helmets and just put on pads to play games," he said. "Rodeo is a lifestyle that these guys live 24/7 and fans have the chance afterward to get up close and personal and meet them all."

Tickets for the rodeo are $15 to $30 for each session of the two-day event. In addition to the professional events, there also will be stick bull riding for children before Saturday's rodeo. The program, designed to promote rodeo among youth, allows kids to get on the riding surface and interact with the animals in addition to riding sticks instead of bulls.

"The kids get a chance to get down where the riders ride and play around in the dirt," Gay said. "There's a lot of color and pageantry to the rodeo, and it really is a family experience that has something for everyone in the family."

Gay, 58, retired from professional riding in 1989 and has done color commentating for FOX sports and ESPN. The Texas native holds the most world titles of any rider and was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.

"It's a lot better to be shooting the bull," he said. "Than riding the bull."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers hire Bill Sheridan as defensive coordinator

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 17, 2012

TAMPA — The Bucs are in a New York state of mind when it comes to selecting coordinators.

Tampa Bay hired former Giants assistant Bill Sheridan as defensive coordinator on Friday, two days after introducing former Giants quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan as offensive coordinator.

Both were assistants under Tom Coughlin when the Giants won Super Bowl XLII in February 2008.

"Bill is a great teacher who brings a tremendous understanding of defensive football to the Buccaneers organization," new Bucs coach Greg Schiano said in a statement the team released.

"Over the last three decades, he has had the opportunity to work under some great head coaches like Bo Schembechler, Nick Saban, Lloyd Carr and Tom Coughlin. His experience and know­ledge will be a great benefit to our defensive staff."

Sheridan was unavailable for comment, but the Bucs scheduled a news conference for Tuesday.

Sheridan actually left Ohio State for the Bucs. He was the last assistant to join new Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer's staff, hired Jan. 31 after spending the past two seasons as Dolphins linebackers coach.

But before even one practice, Sheridan jumped at the opportunity to interview with the Bucs. He did so Wednesday.

Sheridan coached linebackers for the Giants from 2005-08 and was promoted to defensive coordinator when Steve Spagnuolo left to become Rams coach. But under Sheridan, the Giants gave up 427 points, second most in franchise history, and he was fired.

By comparison, the Bucs gave up a franchise-worst 494 points last season under coach and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who was fired Jan. 2.

Sheridan will have a familiar face on his staff. Former NFL linebacker Bryan Cox was hired as a defensive assistant. His role has not been determined.

Cox spent last season with Miami as a pass-rush coach. He previously was the Jets assistant defensive line coach (2006-08) and Browns defensive line coach Browns (2009-10). He had 511/2 sacks for the Dolphins (1991-95), Bears (1996-97), Jets (1998-2000), Patriots (2001) and Saints (2002).

In Tampa, Sheridan will have no shortage of sounding boards. Schiano was a defensive-minded coach at Rutgers. Former Rutgers defensive coordinator Bob Fraser is on the staff, and Schiano hired Butch Davis, a longtime defensive assistant, as the special assistant to the head coach. Schiano also has hired many Rutgers assistants, including Fraser, receivers coach P.J. Fleck, secondary coach Jeff Hafley and tight ends coach Brian Angelichio. But the Bucs have not officially announced those additions.

MYERS' SON KILLED: Christopher Myers, 19, the son of Bucs preseason TV announcer and Fox NASCAR studio host Chris Myers, died Thursday in a car accident. Fox said Myers will not be part of its Feb. 26 Daytona 500 coverage. Christopher Myers died in Southern California, where the family lives.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina laments pending exit

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 17, 2012

TAMPA — Pavel Kubina's pads, pants and helmet still hung from his locker at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Friday morning. But they likely won't be used again as the Lightning holds the veteran defenseman out in preparation for a potential trade.

Kubina was asked Thursday by Tampa Bay to give a list of five teams that he'd be willing to be dealt (a parameter of his limited no-trade clause), but he hasn't. Agent Peter Svoboda said Kubina will do so before the seven-day window ends and could come to some conclusions today.

Svoboda said the pending split with the Lightning has been difficult for Kubina, who was drafted by Tampa Bay in 1996 and has worn the uniform for parts of 10 seasons over two stints.

"That's where … his first chance to play in the NHL was, and he had really good success there. And they won the Cup and everything else," Svoboda said. "And that's the reason he went back two years ago, so it's not easy."

Kubina's expected departure as well as Thursday's trade of center Dominic Moore to the Sharks for a second-round pick has been tough for their teammates. However, the Lightning's players believe the adversity will bring them closer together.

Whether it brings them closer in the standings remains to be seen as Tampa Bay sits tied for 11th, eight points out of the final playoff spot.

But while general manager Steve Yzerman is keeping one eye toward the future, players remained focused on the present, beginning with tonight's home game against the Capitals.

"Our mission is still the same," captain Vinny Lecavalier said.

"Our goal is to make the playoffs."

Said forward Nate Thompson: "Steve is doing his job, and we have to do ours. It's within this room. We have to believe in each other. This is what we've got. Like Marty (St. Louis) said, we've got to stick together."

Coach Guy Boucher doesn't like losing two contributors but trusts the organization's plan. That still doesn't make it easy on the rest of the team.

"It destroys you, or it really puts your back against the wall," Boucher said.

"Either or, they're very tough to manage. You say, 'Oh, it brings us together.' The reality is it's still tough."

Boucher takes it as a challenge, one his team is up to. He talked about how much character the Lightning displayed in its 6-5 overtime win over the Sharks on Thursday night.

Feeling it has a lot to play for, the Lightning will move on. And so will Kubina, 34.

"I think he's still got a lot of hockey in him because Kuby always took care of himself very well," Svoboda said. "And he's determined."

Times staff writer Damian Cristodero contributed to this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Trevor Bayne's Daytona 500 victory remains a remarkable story

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 17, 2012

DAYTONA BEACH — Nearly one year after his stunning victory in the Daytona 500, Trevor Bayne's trophy still sits in the bedroom of his family home in Knoxville, Tenn.

The race changed his life in ways he could have never imagined, but it hasn't changed who he is.

"The trophy is still in my room," Bayne said. "It's funny because the Daytona trophy is sitting right next to all my go-cart trophies, and Allison Legacy trophies and all that. The ring is in North Carolina and my Texas trophy is in North Carolina, but that one is at home. I thought it was cool having it there because all my friends that I grew up with and my family can come over and check it out and see it. It's on my dresser just hanging out. It's still got Gatorade and confetti on it."

Last February, one day after turning 20, Bayne stunned NASCAR by winning the Daytona 500 with an overtime victory.

"That was a Cinderella story," driver Kurt Busch said.

Bayne became the youngest driver to win the race in the No. 21 Ford for the Wood Brothers team.

"It was remarkable, but if you look at the history, do the math, take the averages, the Wood Brothers have done this for 43 years," Ryan Newman said. "They should be able to help a kid that has never done it to be successful at it. … Trevor did an awesome job. He proved himself all week long."

Now Bayne is trying to prove himself again. Neither Wood Brothers Racing nor Roush Fenway Racing opted to field a car for him in tonight's exhibition Budweiser Shootout. And Bayne said there has been no talk of point-swapping to guarantee him a spot in the 500.

"It's gonna be a lot of pressure if we have to race into it," he said. "Hopefully we'll just qualify on Sunday and be good to go."

It took months for Bayne to fully grasp the magnitude of winning the 500 in just his second Sprint Cup race. Sometimes, he's still in awe.

"Every time I watch it on TV it's the same thing: I turn my back on it because I still get nervous that something is gonna happen," he said.

With the victory has come whirlwind media tours, interviews and hanging out with celebrities. He was going to splurge on a new laptop after his crashed during a media tour, but as a guest on Lopez Tonight he mentioned it, and host George Lopez offered to buy him one. But with the fame has come scrutiny of his life and his Christian faith. Bayne said he admires the way Tim Tebow uses his platform, but he has taken a more low-key approach.

"I use my Twitter as kind of an outreach kind of thing, but as far as on my car stuff, that's all team," he said. "I don't even want to have to say anything. I want people to look at me and say, 'There's something different about this kid. He looks different. He acts different. He has joy.' "

His success at Daytona doesn't mean everything is perfect for Bayne. He's still running a schedule similar to the one he ran in Cup last year, which is about one per month in the No. 21 car. He had hoped to run a full season this year and compete for a championship.

"It's okay," he said. "We're just making the best of what we've got right now and it's tough to do that when you only have a few races. … Obviously as a young guy you want to have championships under your belt and full seasons. I still haven't spent a whole full season with one team yet in Nationwide, and I think that would be great to have that opportunity, but, right now, we're gonna run the first three races and kind of see where we stand, work on sponsorship deals. It just shows how tough it is right now. Here we are at Roush Fenway Racing with great things to offer and it's still tough for us, so we're working really hard at that."

SHOOTOUT DRAW: Martin Truex drew the pole for tonight's Budweiser Shootout exhibition race.

NASCAR NOTES: NASCAR confiscated part of Jimmie Johnson's Daytona 500 car because of illegal modifications. Cup officials ruled the No. 48 Chevrolet had illegal C-posts, an area of sheet metal between the roof and the side windows. It could lead to penalties for crew chief Chad Knaus and the team. … Defending Cup champion Tony Stewart was involved in a six-car wreck in practice for the Shootout. Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, AJ Allmendinger and Jeff Gordon also were involved. Stewart went to the infield care center and was treated and released.

NHRA: Shawn Langdon earned the provisional No. 1 qualifying spot in Top Fuel at the Arizona Nationals in Chandler. Johnny Gray (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) also led their classes. Qualifying ends today.

Antonya English can be reached at english@tampabay.com. Information from Times wires was used in this report.


Captain's Corner: Hogfish ready to be caught

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By Bill Hardman, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 17, 2012

What's hot: Spearfishermen are finding consistent levels of hogfish on most limestone ledges in the gulf from 100 feet to all the way inside Tampa Bay. Some male hogfish 6 pounds and heavier are being speared as they roam the waters inside the bay. For divers who venture out to the deeper water of the Middle Grounds, the hogfish are plentiful there, too.

Tactics: Hogfish aren't known to be smart. But as they get older, they do become more wary. One of the best ways to spot a large male is to slow down when you see smaller females. A male has a harem of females and is territorial. He will swim all over his territory making sure his females are being loyal. If you see females, relax, get behind a structure and wait a minute or so. Slowly, without jerky motions, look carefully for the male to show up. Sometimes, they come from off in the distance. And sometimes, they are right under the ledge hiding, and when they think the area is clear, they pop out to harass the females.

Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 344-3483 and captainbillhardman@gmail.com.

Tampa Bay Storm training camp

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Times staff
Friday, February 17, 2012

Storm training camp

When: Today-March 1

Where: Skyway Park, Tampa (except Wednesday, in Orlando)

Practices: Two a day (except Wednesday); closed to the public

Scrimmage: vs. Orlando, 7 p.m. Feb. 27, Tampa Bay Times Forum (includes free admission, food, drinks and prize giveaways)

Season opener: March 10, at Chicago

Home opener: March 16, vs. Georgia

Tickets: Single games go on sale at 9 a.m. Feb. 27 via Ticketmaster, Times Forum box office and tampabaystorm.com. For details, call (813) 301-6600.

Yankees ship Burnett to Pirates

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Times wires
Friday, February 17, 2012

NEW YORK — Much-maligned pitcher A.J. Burnett has been traded by the Yankees to the Pirates for two minor-leaguers, a deal that clears the way for New York to add Raul Ibanez.

Pittsburgh will pay $13 million of the $33 million salary due Burnett for 2012 and 2013, the Associated Press reported.

New York will receive right-hander Diego Moreno, 25, and outfielder Exicardo Cayones, 20, both low-level prospects.

The agreement is subject to Burnett passing a physical, which is likely to take place Sunday. Commissioner Bud Selig also must approve it because of the money involved.

"I think he's looking forward to the opportunity to re-establish himself and mentor some of the young pitchers," Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, said Friday.

Braunecker said Burnett planned to be at the Pirates' spring training complex in Bradenton on Sunday.

New York intends to use the money saved to sign a designated hitter. The Yankees already have been negotiating a major-league contract with Ibanez, 39, who spent the past three seasons with Philadelphia.

The right-handed Burnett, 35, went 34-35 with a 4.79 ERA during three seasons with New York, including 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA last year.

Burnett became superfluous when the Yankees acquired Michael Pineda from Seattle and agreed to a one-year deal with free agent Hiroki Kuroda. They join CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia.

Boston knuckleballer Wakefield retires

FORT MYERS — Tim Wakefield is retiring after pitching the past 17 seasons for the Red Sox.

The 45-year-old knuckleballer from Melbourne made the announcement at the team's spring training facility Friday.

After two seasons with the Pirates, the right-hander signed as a minor-league free agent in 1995. He was 186-168 with a 4.43 ERA with the Red Sox. Only Roger Clemens and Cy Young had more wins (192) with the team.

Wakefield is first in team history with 3,006 innings and 430 starts, and second in games and strikeouts.

For his career, Wakefield was 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA. He was 7-8 with a 5.12 ERA last year in 23 starts and 10 relief appearances. He won two World Series titles in Boston.

"There were a few seasons I didn't know if I was coming back, but I kept coming back and proving myself year after year," Wakefield said. "I was fortunate enough to play 17 years here. It's been a great one. I've been very blessed. I am just very grateful."

On Sept. 13, Wakefield earned his 200th win on his eighth try, in an 18-6 rout of the Blue Jays at Fenway. It turned out to be his last victory.

Wakefield mostly had his way with the Rays, especially in the climate-controlled dome, though they figured him out in recent seasons. His 21 wins against Tampa Bay were his most against any team, and overall he was 21-8 with a 3.71 ERA.

A's still eyeing Ramirez: The Athletics remain interested in signing former slugger Manny Ramirez, 39, to a deal for slightly more than the league minimum of $480,000. The sides could reach agreement in the next few days or sometime next week. Ramirez, who retired from the Rays after playing in five games last season rather than serve a 100-game suspension, must sit 50 games without pay for violating baseball's drug policy for a second time. His suspension was cut because he missed nearly all of last season.

Mets: Johan Santana (torn capsule in left shoulder) threw 25 pitches off a mound in his first outing after a 4½-month break. "I was able to throw my pitches, and it felt good after that," he said.

Times staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report.

College men's basketball preview capsule: Florida State Seminoles at North Carolina State Wolfpack, 1 p.m. Saturday

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Times staff, wires
Friday, February 17, 2012

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Today

No. 20 Florida State at N.C. State

When/where: 1; RBC Center, Raleigh, N.C.

TV/radio: Ch. 44; 1040-AM

Records: FSU 18-7, 9-2 ACC; N.C. State 18-8, 7-4

Notable: Both teams face a quick turnaround after wild Thursday games. G Lorenzo Brown scored 19 but N.C. State coughed up a 20-point lead in losing at Duke 78-73, and FSU slipped by Virginia Tech 48-47 on G Michael Snaer's 3-pointer to keep the Seminoles in a tie for first in the ACC. … Already with victories against Wake Forest, Duke and North Carolina, if FSU beats N.C. State it would mark the first time in program history the Seminoles beat all four of the ACC's North Carolina teams in the same season.

Times staff

College men's basketball preview capsule: No. 14 Florida Gators at Arkansas Razorbacks, 6 p.m. Saturday

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 17, 2012

No. 14 Florida at Arkansas

When/where: 6; Bud Walton Arena, Fayetteville, Ark.

TV/radio: ESPN2; 620-AM

Records: Florida 20-6, 8-3 SEC; Arkansas 17-9, 5-6

Notable: G Mike Rosario, who has missed the past two games with a hip pointer, practiced Friday and may be available today. UF coach Billy Donovan said the decision will be based on how Rosario practiced. Sophomore F Will Yeguete, who sustained a concussion last week, was medically cleared to practice Friday, but his status for today's game is questionable. … The Gators will try to get a win at Bud Walton Arena, where the Razorbacks are 17-1 this season and undefeated in conference play. Florida has won seven of the past eight against Arkansas, including four in a row. … UF assistant coach John Pelphrey returns to Arkansas, where he spent four seasons as head coach before he was fired at the end of last season.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

College women's basketball preview capsule: USF Bulls vs. Pittsburgh Panthers, 7 p.m. Saturday

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 17, 2012

USF women vs. Pittsburgh

When/where: 7; USF Rec Center, Tampa

Radio: 1010-AM

Records: USF 14-13, 6-7 Big East; Pittsburgh 8-17, 0-12

Notable: Pittsburgh is winless in conference play, but the Panthers just took a ranked Louisville team to overtime, so coach Jose Fernandez's Bulls won't be taking them lightly. … The Bulls have won their past two games despite being without top scorer G Jasmine Wynne, sidelined by a concussion. She practiced Friday and her status will be decided at game time.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Tom Jones' Two Cents: Most liked sports figures list

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 17, 2012

Forbes recently came out with a list, based on a fans' poll, of the most disliked people in sports. It included athletes such as Michael Vick, Tiger Woods, Plaxico Burress and that poor sap Kris Humphries, who isn't being given credit for time served after being married to attention queen Kim Kardashian for 72 days. But what about the other side? What about the good guys, the athletes loved by Americans? Here's a list of some of the most liked people in sports:

Tim Duncan, Spurs

A couple of years ago, Forbes had Duncan among its most liked figures in sports. Those polled by Forbes considered Duncan to be "approachable," "intelligent" and "trustworthy." All those words still apply, along with "classy," "humble" and a word we take for granted: "nice." Just might be the most unassuming superstar we've ever seen.

Derek Jeter, Yankees

Even fans of the archrival Red Sox have respect for Jeter. The rest of the baseball world considers him the ultimate example of grace and class. It's amazing Jeter has spent his adult life playing the premier position (shortstop) for the most famous team in sports in the media capital of the world and has never been involved in any serious scandals, shenanigans or even sordid rumors. Maybe it's because he does things the way they're supposed to be done — on and off the field.

Roger Federer, tennis

The ideal gentleman in the sport of gentlemen. You also could include other top tennis stars such as Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. They, too, are deservedly well-liked.

Brad Stevens, Butler basketball

First of all, the 35-year-old looks like the neighborhood kid down the street who helps you carry your groceries and offers to cut your grass because he's saving up for a used car. But here's the real deal: He's liked because he has coached little Butler University to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA title game. Liking Stevens means liking the little guy.

Phil Mickelson, golf

A thumbs-up for Phil is kind of a thumbs-down for Tiger. He's the anti-Tiger. Good family man. Friendly. Open. And, lately, a winner. Lefty also received sympathy and support after his wife overcame breast cancer.

Jeremy Lin, Knicks

Who knows how long Linsanity will last, but it's as big as Tebowmania, except with no haters. This is the perfect storm: Harvard grad, undrafted, waived, benched, playing in the D-League a month ago, now playing in New York City for a Knicks team desperate for a winner and a team that has foundered with star Carmelo Anthony. He's an underdog in every sense of the word, and he hasn't been popular long enough for the backlash.

Abby Wambach, soccer

One of the greatest American soccer players ever, this former Florida Gator was the face (and most clutch player) on the 2011 women's World Cup team. Laid-back off the pitch but ultracompetitive on it, Wambach was the 2011 Associated Press female athlete of the year. Her teammate Alex Morgan needs recognition here, too.

Eli Manning, Giants

Okay, so Packers and Patriots fans probably don't much care for Manning, but the rest of the country digs this two-time Super Bowl MVP. Eli has an "aw shucks" way about him and a persona (plus looks) more suited for a Mark Twain novel than the rugged NFL. He's Peyton's little brother, but he feels like America's little brother. (By the way, Peyton could easily make this list, too.)

tom jones' two cents


Sports in Brief

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Times wires
Friday, February 17, 2012

Boxing

Challenger slaps Klitschko across the face

MUNICH — Standing head to head Friday for the customary staredown, Dereck Chisora slapped WBC heavyweight champ Vitali Klitschko.

Both camps had to be pulled apart after the British fighter hit Klitschko across the face with his open right hand and launched a series of insults ahead of today's bout.

Chisora (15-2), 28, said the heavyweight division has become boring because of the dominance of Klitschko and his younger brother Wladimir, who holds the division's other major belts.

"Everybody's tired of you and your brother," said Chisora, 6 feet 2 and 241 pounds with a 74-inch reach. "There's no excitement in the ring. It's time for the new king. People want a new relief in boxing. Him and his brother have killed the sport I love."

Klitschko (43-2), 40, did not retaliate.

"I am going to hit back (today)," said Klitschko, 6-7 and 243½ pounds with an 80-inch reach. "He will get his beating. I'm really looking forward to teaching this young gentleman a lesson. He is from Great Britain, but he's lacking appropriate manners."

NFL

Sides say no deal on Vikings stadium

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and the Vikings denied a Minneapolis Star Tribune report that a deal has been reached for a $975 million stadium to be built near the Metrodome. All sides said talks are continuing. The Vikings' lease at the Metrodome expired after last season. Under the reported deal, the Vikings and NFL would combine to contribute $427 million, the state $398 million and city of Minneapolis $150 million. The city also would cover $180 million in operating costs over 30 years. The city council and state legislature would have to approve the deal.

Bengals: LB Rey Maualuga pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge. An employee at a Cincinnati bar told police Maualuga punched him in the face Feb. 5. A trial date was not set. … Hue Jackson, fired as Raiders coach after last season, was hired. He will help with the secondary and special teams.

Et cetera

Tennis: Roger Federer did not face a break point in defeating Jarkko Nieminen 7-5, 7-6 (7-2) to reach the semifinals of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rottterdam, Netherlands. He faces Nikolay Davydenko. Juan Martin del Potro and Tomas Berdych meet in the other semifinal.

Soccer: F Eddie Johnson, part of the 2006 U.S. World Cup team, returned to MLS. Montreal chose him in the allocation process then dealt him to Seattle. Johnson played for Dallas (2001-06) and Kansas City (2007-08) before signing with Fulham of the English Premier League. There, he appeared in only 18 games and was loaned to three teams.

Times wires

Scholarship plan avoids override

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Times staff, wires
Friday, February 17, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA plan to offer multiyear scholarships will go forward.

The NCAA said Friday that 62.1 percent of 330 Division I schools called for an override during an online vote this week, falling just short of the 62.5 percent majority needed. Some 90 percent of the Division I membership voted.

"I am pleased that student-athletes will continue to benefit from the ability of institutions to offer athletics aid for more than one year, but it's clear that there are significant portions of the membership with legitimate concerns," NCAA president Mark Emmert said. "As we continue to examine implementation of the rule, we want to work with the membership to address those concerns."

The rule was put in place in October, giving schools the option to offer multiyear scholarships instead of those that need to be renewed annually. It took effect immediately.

Critics of the annual scholarships said athletes were unfairly losing them for poor performance or after they had become injured.

Still, there was enough opposition to the multiyear scholarship plan to force the override vote. In January, NCAA leaders decided against making any changes, with board members saying it was intended to improve student-athlete well-being and noting that the rule wasn't mandatory.

Bulls win baseball opener in Challenge

ST. PETERSBURG — USF senior Todd Brazeal, who tore the ACL in his knee during fall drills, went 4-for-4 as the Bulls opened their season Friday with a 5-3 win against Ohio State in the Big Ten-Big East Challenge.

Sophomore Ray Delphey, who hadn't pitched in nearly two years after numerous arm injuries, threw a scoreless ninth for the save. "For us to be good, he's one of the guys that has to be there in a tight situation," coach Lelo Prado said.

The Bulls (1-0) got five-plus innings of scoreless relief from Nick Gonzalez, Adrian Puig and Delphey, with all three stranding multiple runners with strikeouts in the late innings. Gonzalez (1-0) struck out four in 3⅔ innings.

USF faces Michigan State at 1 p.m. today (1010-AM) at Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Duke's rally keeps ACC race muddled

DURHAM, N.C. — FSU and North Carolina still share the lead in the ACC basketball standings with Duke after the No. 5 Blue Devils rallied from 20 down with 11½ minutes left to beat N.C. State 78-73 late Thursday.

"We're in a race for the championship of our conference, and we've got to win at home to do that," guard Seth Curry said.

Curry scored 21 of his season-high 26 in the second half while freshman Austin Rivers added 16. The Blue Devils trailed by 16 at halftime — the largest halftime deficit overcome by Duke under coach Mike Krzyzewski. They did it with late runs of 13-0 and 20-3.

Georgia Tech: Coach Brian Gregory suspended guard Glen Rice indefinitely but declined to give a reason.

Purdue: Guard Kelsey Barlow was kicked off the team and swingman D.J. Byrd was suspended after an incident at a bar. Barlow, suspended just before last season's NCAA Tournament for conduct detrimental to the team, had been kicked out of the same bar earlier and tried to re-enter. Police said they are investigating an allegation that Byrd assaulted a bouncer. Byrd was charged with public intoxication and spent five hours in jail.

College football

Leach appeal denied: The Texas Supreme Court denied Mike Leach's appeal in his wrongful termination lawsuit against Texas Tech. The court rejected his appeal without comment more than two years after he was fired by the school amid allegations that he mistreated a player with a concussion.

Arkansas State: Defensive coordinator Keith Patterson resigned less than two months after being hired away from Pitt. Coach Gus Malzahn would only say Patterson is leaving for a job at a Division I-A program.

Mickelson tops again

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Times wires
Friday, February 17, 2012

LOS ANGELES — Phil Mickelson wasn't at his best Friday at Riviera. Two shots at least helped him stay in the lead.

Despite having only two birdie chances inside 15 feet, Mickelson holed out from the eighth fairway for eagle and chipped in for birdie on the par-3 16th. That carried him to a 1-under 70 and a one-shot lead over Pat Perez in the Northern Trust Open.

Mickelson made three par saves from outside 10 feet, starting with his opening hole at the par-4 10th. He went from the front bunker to the back bunker, blasted out to 18 feet and curled in the putt.

That set the tone for a day that only looked good on the scorecard.

"I probably didn't play the greatest (Friday), but I was able to kind of salvage a good round and had a good break on eight where I holed out from the fairway," he said. "That was a nice little bonus."

Perez had a tournament-best 65, without a bogey, and he saved his best shot for the final hole. He hit his tee shot far right on No. 18, the green blocked by eucalyptus trees. Perez cut a 6-iron, hoping to find the green, and it wound up 12 feet away for birdie.

"I didn't hit it like you'd think I would," he said. "I didn't drive it all that great. I just scrambled well."

Mickelson was at 6-under 136, assured of being atop the leaderboard for the third straight round. He rallied to win last week's Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

The group at 4-under 138 included Jimmy Walker (66), Carl Pettersson (70), Jonathan Byrd (70), Marc Leishman (69) and Matt Kuchar (69), who had a solid day without too much excitement until he drilled his tee shot to a back left pin on No. 6 and left himself 5 feet for birdie.

Before he could putt, Kuchar was stung by a bee in his arm.

"I haven't been stung by a bee in probably 20 years," he said. "I had stopped being scared of bees. The thing got me, and it was really painful."

Bubba Watson (69) was in the group another shot back and world No. 1 Luke Donald (72) was six shots out of the lead.

Eight of the 144-man field could not finish before dark and will finish today.

Joe Ogilvie had the shot of the day, an ace on the 16th hole with a 7-iron. It was his third hole-in-one on the PGA Tour, and he has yet to win a prize. At least at a tour event, he didn't have to buy drinks.

"There were 10 guys up there that looked like they could drink 1,000 beers," he said after shooting 71 for 142 total. "I'm glad I didn't do this at my club."

LPGA: Karrie Webb aced the 159-yard 12th with a 6-iron to take a three-stroke lead after the lightning-delayed second round of the LPGA Thailand in Chonburi. Webb had 7-under 65 to reach 11-under 133. South Koreans Jiyai Shin and Na Yeon Choi were tied for second. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome shot 70 for the second straight day and was seven shots out of the lead.

CHAMPIONS: Larry Mize shot 10-under 62 in calm, sunny conditions to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the ACE Group Classic in Naples. Tom Lehman, the player of the year last season, was second along with Kenny Perry and 2011 Senior British Open champion Russ Cochran at The Quarry.

Greyhound has covered a lot of territory

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By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 17, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Meacham Field didn't know if he was coming or going.

He went from Alabama to Florida, back to Alabama and is now in Florida again. The Texas-bred sprinter has given Red Oak Racing kennel plenty of mileage.

Meacham Field, who is at Derby Lane because greyhound racing in Shorter, Ala., was suspended last year, is expected to contend for the $64,000 Sprint Classic, which begins tonight.

The Sprint Classic is Derby Lane's richest 550-yard stakes with a $25,000 first-place prize. Thirty-two dogs are entered in the four-round qualifying event. The eight with the most accumulative points advance to the March 3 final.

Meacham Field was in limbo when VictoryLand in Shorter ended live racing. He was inactive for five months and returned to Derby Lane in July 2011. The 73-pound greyhound has since exceeded expectations, including winning the $10,000 Matinee Idol on Jan. 28.

"I'm surprised he is a stakes winner," Red Oak Racing manager/trainer Gary Buckmaster said. "He was not the fastest dog in the (Matinee Idol) field, but he's got a great heart. If I had a half-dozen of Meacham Fields, they could carry the kennel with no problem."

Meacham Field, a 40-month-old male out of a litter by 2004 second-team All-America selection Fuzzys Cannon and Fuzzys Arizona, has been a consistent money-earner for owner Janelle Jackson of Rockdale, Texas. A winner in 30 of 105 races, Meacham Field has earned a paycheck (top-four finish) in 27 of his past 29 starts, including eight victories. His career-best times at 550 yards are 30.31 seconds at VictoryLand and 30.46 at Derby Lane.

"The perfect race for him would be to have the 7- or 8-hole and just go to the front," Buckmaster said. "He's not going to come and get six or seven dogs (from behind). He's got to be within a couple of lengths of the lead and hopefully the other dog is short."

Meacham Field drew Box 5 in Race 6 (8:55 p.m.). Other top greyhounds: M's Free Agent (Floyd & Porter kennel) and Serpent's Head (D'Arcy) in Race 4 (8:18); Magic Finch (Abernathy) in Race 8 (9:33) and defending champion Hi Noon Renegade (Nova) and Tiger Boy (McAllister) in Race 10 (10:11).

MORE DOGS: Derby Lane will have a 15-race holiday matinee Monday. No evening racing is scheduled, but the track will remain open for poker and simulcast wagering.

HORSES: Trainer Jamie Ness, who leads the nation in victories, attempts to win a stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar for the sixth consecutive meet with Western Prospector in the $$75,000 Turf Dash (Race 8, 3:42). … Trainer Brenda McCarthy recorded her 500th win Sunday with Sofi Ana, ridden by Rosemary Homeister Jr. … Jockey Jesse Garcia is sidelined with a broken collarbone and bruises to a lung and ribs sustained in a spill Feb. 9.

Captain's Corner: Reds trickier than trout to catch in shallow water

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By Doug Hemmer, Times Correspondent
Saturday, February 18, 2012

What's hot: During recent trips we found most of the game fish moving back to shallow water. Large schools of redfish and trout are moving into the shallows during the incoming tide. Trout are feeding better than the reds. The high tide is not high enough to make the reds feel safe. When the water is 1 to 1 1/2 feet deep, a cast close to the school will spook the reds. Trout will strike jigs and topwater plugs when the water is shallow. To get the reds to feed, we use tail-hooked shrimp on a 20-pound-test, 4-foot leader. When the school is visible, we peel the shell off the head of the shrimp to put scent in the water. This will not work if the school can't be seen. Pinfish will eat the shrimp before the redfish find it.

Pro tip: Follow the tides closely. If the tide chart calls for a high tide, check wind direction. When the wind is out of the north, the tides will be lower than the chart calls for. South winds blow more water into the bay and make the peak tide higher. It will also make the high tide peak sooner than the chart calls for. Downgrade tackle to avoid spooking the fish. Line at 10-pound test with a 20-pound leader will usually work. Drift close to a school and don't cast into it. Work the edges to get the best shot at a hookup.

Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 347-1389.

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