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fishing in the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Orlando and Boca Grande
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Giant
tarpon fishing is in full swing here in the Giant Tarpon Capitol of
the World. Each day, on both the morning and afternoon session,
multiple fish ranging from 80 to 230 lbs. are just another day at the
office aboard the Bounty Hunter.
Fish are thick along the beaches, flats and in the
passes. Naturally Boca Grande Pass is taking center ring of another
fantastic season. Fish are taking jigs, crabs and shrimp fish just off
the bottom in most cases. Afternoon breakouts the technique is sight
casting live bait on spinning tackle to schools pushing 2000
strong.
Jamie Pinter (right) poses with his
estimated 230lb on his first day in 2002
The past dark moon saw an incredible mass exodus of
Calico crabs riding the afternoon outgoing tides through the big
pass. Commonly referred to as the "hill tide", the natural phenomenon
of the flush of crabs through the pass offers the most frenzied
tarpon bite anywhere in the world. Nowhere else in the world is
triple and quadruple giant tarpon hookups even a dream. Here it is
reality. While the “hill tides” are difficult to predict as
actually occurring, the full moon is just ahead and likely to be
just as good as the past dark moon.
The weekly Miller’s Tarpon Tide Tournaments
started last week. Last week we released the first fish of the
three-hour tournament and with that fact, could have taken “most
releases” with our second fish, but elected to take a borderline
stab at second place that turned up short just a few pounds.
Jamie Pinter (left), mate Brian Timmons
(center) and Melissa Pinter (right) are all smiles after Jamie
sight casted a dollar sized crab to this monster off the beach
on their second day.
Michelle Pollard strikes a pose with
her first tarpon. 175 lbs. is not a bad way to start!
Last Saturday, again, we released the first fish of
the day and then the third (first boat to score two). Later in the
day two teams had caught up to our fast start and each of us was
hooked up to our third fish in the final minutes when: one team
fell to a pulled hook, ours broke off when it jumped underneath
another boat and the third team took it by staying glued in
overtime. The competition is fierce and exciting. In the past two
weeks first place fish have weighed 185 and 180 respectfully. With
our consistent releases the past two weeks and accompanied with
the prospects of a little luck, our team is fishing with much
confidence in reaching victory lane.
A ridge of Canadian Artic air made
a very unseasonably appearance through the eastern seaboard on
Sunday. Since-winds have been sustained at 20 knots and gusty.
Captains worth their salt and with the most up most respect for
the water are remaining in port and/or returned to their domains
until the winds subside (forecasted by the end of the week) as
it is not worth the risk. On
my last ride through the prime spots, the fish have temporarily
left the shoreline. The protocol during these first days off
since March has been catching up on some much needed rest,
maintenance and restocking. In this very rare event of such a
spell of turbulent seas (in the peak), I sit now reflecting to
the water for solitude. Mother Nature is reeking her havoc and
Father Time is patiently waiting. In these times I realize how
fortunate I am and too know--- she is no match for his tried and
proven ways. The seas will calm with dignity, serenity will fill the empty
spaces with grace, and giant silver lined dreams will soon come true again
this week in world class fashion.
Chuck Hawkins (left) takes a deep
breath after landing this beauty on a jig in Boca Grande Pass.
Screaming Drags and Tired Arms!
Robert
McCue
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