There back! Giant Drum have arrived in lower Tampa Bay. This annual ritual will continue for the next 4 - 6 weeks. Giant drum 35-50 pounds can be found tailing in 2-3 feet of water, schools of 50 to 100 is common.
Friday morning we were the only boat on the flat and it didn't take long to find the school. It looked like a small wave coming right at us. With one angler Dan onboard Captain Steven harmed himself with a rod to increase our chances. As they surrounded the boat Dan and Captain Steven both easily hooked up.
20 minutes later the first monster drum was boat side. Dead sticking a 4" natural Berkley Gulp shrimp on a ½ oz Mission jig head is the secret weapon. This tactic out fishes live shrimp and can be cast a long ways.
After an hour or so we changed gears (tired arms) and ran to the Little Manatee River to chase redfish. The tide was slack and the bite sluggish but as often the case the tide stared to flow in and the Redfish nailed our live shrimp. No bruisers but fun 15-18" beauties.
On the way back we took a quick peak for the drum, another boat pointed them out and a quick hook up resulted. A short run to a grass flat had trout after trout on the DOA Deadly Combo.
Did I mention no winds and temps in the mid 70's? Super day overall and 4 weeks of giants on the flats.
Captain Steven Markovich
www.onthemarkcharters.com
