Friday was all about given back as Captain Steven hosted 3 anglers as part of the Hooked On Education Fishing Tournament. Our goal was the Tampa Bay Grand Slam which encompasses catching a snook, redfish and trout.
Being the rocket scientist that I am I decided to trailer the Pathfinder to the West shore Yacht Club vs. getting bait at the Skyway Bridge and making the 20 mile run. After all last week gathering bait was a simple task. It took 90 minutes and a keen eye from Captain Mark Gore to get bait and be on time for the 845 pick up.
Captain Steven headed SE to Tampa Bay's eastern shoreline. Right off the bat John had his bait crushed but he couldn't help but jerk the rod. Circle hooks require you only reel…John looked me in the eye and said I did everything you told me not to do. 10 minutes later Rich had a big snook swirl on his white bait only to have a flared gill plate cut the line. Moments later John connected and landed a chunky 21" snook. A small redfish, several snapper and Ladyfish and that was it!
Next up Weedon Island flats where we quickly took several trout then the action died just as quick. Our last stop where just last week my anglers took numerous redfish resulted in only one 19" redfish. That red completed the Grand Slam for John.
Captain Steven Markovich
