Pelagic species are show showing up in lower Tampa Bay. With the water temperatures in the 70's and bait everywhere conditions are ripe for the fall season. Sunday was another pelagic day for Captain Steven targeting Mackerel, Bonita and Kingfish (I have yet to see any kings).
Armed with silver spoons it took only a few minutes to find the first school which was Bonita. With the water exploding right off our bow it was easy pickens, 2 casts 2 hook ups. Drags screamed, rods bent and my anglers were dancing all around the boat trying to stay on top of their fish. Five minutes had past and the 12 pounds footballs were still putting up a fight.
The school disappeared so we eased up on another school which turned out to be Mackerel. A rapid retrieve resulted in quick hits, if you lost the Mack another would take the spoon. Remember a rapid retrieve is a must as you can never reel faster then a mackerel can swim.
Mackerel like to bleed and spit up glass minnows by the dozen which makes a big mess. Baked on blood stains are hard to clean, a true pain washing the boat after a day on the water. A damp cloth or a bucket of water to rinse helps keep things in control until you wash up.
I use Woody Wax non skid deck wax which saves me hours of work and helps keep your investment looking good. Its so easy to apply. Hose down you clean boat then spray on your deck brush. Brush in rinse off and watch the magic. I repeat these steps because of all the action my Pathfinder gets.
Captain Steven
www.onthemarkcharters.com
