Variety is the spice of life and when it comes to fishing Central Florida and the Tampa Bay region the menu is changing by the minute. The overall equation is simple, warmer water equals the spring baitfish migration. With the bait comes our pelagic gamesters like the mighty Kingfish, lightning fast Bonita and the ever abundant and oh so much fun the Spanish Mackerel. Snook turn from lethargic to ravenous at the blink of an eye. Big schools of Jacks just waiting to pounce on anything that moves. Redfish moving further and further up in the flats with springs higher tides. The list goes on and on.
Early this week we were greeted with many options. The snook bite was on when we located staging snook near the beach, these same fish would not even look at bait just a week ago Sunday when the water was 63. Mackerel were easy to spot near the Skyway Bridge, casting Clark spoons resulted in fast action and several cutoffs. Look for more and more schools to arrive. The bridge was thick with both Threadfins and great White baits. I spent time in the tower looking for the large schools of giant Black drum but brisk SW winds made for a big challenge resulting in no success locating the school. We did find both Redfish and hordes of Ladyfish working oyster points off Pinellas Point. Cut threadfins on a oz jig head did the job, very basic but effective. I receieved 2 reports of bait on the flats near the Skyway which is another spring time bonus.
As a Professional Captain I like any business people have to use marketing budgets wisely. The budget at On The Mark Charters is lean, mean like most businesses these days and getting the right pay back is critical. I reached out to Sign Zoo to create window graphics for both the rear and 2 side windows of my F150 truck. Vince and the team at Sign Zoo are a pleasure to work with. In just several days I had samples to proof all done online which made the process that much easier. Installation was quick in their spacious factory. If you have a company vehicle, boat or are looking for other marketing options check them out at www.signzoo.com or call Vince Bejar at 941-961-4040. We were so pleased with our graphics we are doing another vehicle.
Baring any late cold fronts we are on our way for some outstanding action. And before you know it May and our fabulous Tarpon season will begin.
Captain Steven
