By Tyson Wallerstein, Times Correspondent
Thursday, June 2, 2011
What's hot: Beach tarpon numbers are increasing; pods of up to a 100 fish have been spotted. Now that the holiday weekend is over, anglers should be able to get shots at "happy" fish.
Tactics: Many of these pods are slow movers traveling south. These pods are virtually impossible to spot while running on plane or even idling. They more often will be near the bottom rather than rolling on the surface. Find an open stretch of beach just after safe light, get close to the swim buoys so that you can look to the west, drop a temporary anchor (I prefer the mushroom style so you can drag it with the trolling motor), and wait for the fish to show.
Tackle: Big spinning tackle spooled with 50-pound braided line is best. Because of the clean water we've had lately, a 60-pound leader has made a difference over 80. Typically, a 5/0 offset J-hook works well for most of the baits commonly used. However, if you prefer circle hooks, you may want to go up to a 6/0.
Tyson Wallerstein runs Inshore Fishing Charters in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area and can be reached at (727) 692-5868 or via e-mail capt.tyson@hotmail.com.