By Brent Gaskill, Times Correspondent
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Holiday weekend: Memorial Day typically catapults us from spring into summer. Soon schools will be out for summer break and the kids will be eager to get outside and have some fun. Fishing is usually at the top of kids' list of things to do. The good news is that owning a boat is not necessary to have a great day fishing.
Hot spot: Piers offer an easy and economical way to take the family fishing. Most piers offer a variety of fish for all age groups and skill levels. Paul Bristow of the Skyway fishing piers suggests that parents who are not sure how to fish can still bring children. Just stop by the bait house and ask for help. Friendly pier staffers will help with tackle, baits, rigging and advice on the best spots on the pier.
Getting started: Younger children can stay busy with a standard Sabiki rig, catching all kinds of bait fish. This activity also keeps a steady flow of fresh bait for the more serious anglers in the group. The next step is a bigger Sabiki tipped with squid strips that will entice a variety of larger fish. Older children will enjoy casting and retrieving heavier tandem jigs and begin catching fish for the family meal.
Brent Gaskill runs Summer Vacation Charters out of the St. Petersburg area and can be reached at captbrent@summervacationcharters.com or (727) 510-1009.