Kings slowly returning

Night time temperatures dropped some during the week and thus the water cooled slightly as well. Water quality has been good with large numbers of small Hardtails, Alewives and Goggle eyes gathered around the pier. Tarpon schools have begun their move back south and a few Black Snapper are prowling the pilings. “Flipper”, Remora and birds have been a nuisance. Mostly small Spanish Mackerel continue to be active early mornings and late afternoon. Spoons, Bubble rigs and small lures have gotten their attention. A few are being caught on bait during the day. Glen holds one of the Spanish he caught.

Kings have been missing for so long we have about forgotten how to catch them. That scenario began to change at day break Saturday morning when a nice one hit the deck. The picture that was forwarded to me is not great and I could not identify the angler but the fish was obviously a nice one. Brandon would deck the next one Monday afternoon on a Gotcha while trying for Spanish. Tuesday the number increased slightly as Ivan and Tommy added to the count. Several big fish were spotted but none were hooked. Then Wednesday, Sam, James and Willy brought Kings to the Gaff. Willy’s fish would be the big fish at just shy of 17 pounds. James-8258; Willy-8260)

In other action, a few Black Snapper are being caught. Christian caught a couple while fishing the back corner of the Tee. Brenda got a surprise while jigging her Gotcha for Spanish…a legal Pompano.

A few Red Drum are being caught in skinny water late evenings.

Species caught: King/Spanish Mackerel, Red Drum, Pompano, Black Snapper, Bluefish, Ladyfish and Blue Runners. Bait: small Alewives, small Goggle eyes and Hardtails with a few baby Bonita in the mix.

•       Saturday         3:32am Low 0.9       12:03am High 1.0,    6:24pm Low 1.0    11:44am High 1.5,       11:58pm High 1.1

•       Sunday            5:30am Low 0.8       1:10pm High 1.4,      5:56pm Low 1.2    11:43pm High 1.3 

•       Monday           7:05am Low 0.6       11:01pm High 1.3

•       Tuesday           8:44am Low 0.5       11:34am High 1.7

•       Wednesday     10:27pm Low 0.4     Sunrise: 6:37am       Sunset: 6:27pm 

Tight lines and screaming drags,

Sam