Fishing Reports: Spanish Mackerel Move Into The Bay - 5/10/2009

Mackerel move into Tampa Bay

What's hot: Mackerel have moved into Tampa Bay, marking the start of fishing over deep grass beds. Grass beds in 5 to 7 feet will be holding trout, bluefish, sharks and mackerel. The best spots will have bait schools raining on the surface. Birds are another sign of which spots hold fish. Target the grass's edge, where it meets sand. Most of the fish will be over the grass. Mackerel will work the edge.

Tackle: Break out the light tackle because there are few obstacles and the fish can't cut you off. An ultrarod rigged with 6- to 12-pound line will land most fish. Use long shank hooks and 30- to 40-pound leaders. You'll get more strikes using mono leaders than light wire. Some of the sharks can reach 5 feet. To land one, have one rod rigged with 20-pound line and a short wire leader.

Bait: Throw handfuls of white bait from the livewell around the boat until the fish start striking the surface. Then cast your bait where the fish are striking. If the fish don't strike at your live chum, move to a different spot and repeat.

Contact Doug Hemmer for your Tampa Bay Fishing Charter, (727) 347-1389, or click here to email the captain.