| Clearwater
Spanish Spanish
mackerel offer up some great action in the summer. Bitetracker Babes Lisa and
Marilijn found out Capt. Richard Howard had been getting into schooling fish just
off Clearwater Beach and that was all they needed to schedule a trip for some
fun and sun.
When they arrived they found out the fish had moved off the beach
into deeper water so it meant a run out to Clearwater Reef, one of the state's
many artificial reef projects. It didn't take long to boat a few fish and Capt.
Richard rigged up one of the macks as a barracuda bait. There were some cudas
over the reef but as time was running out, the only taker managed to get most
of the mackerel without feeling the sting of steel. Oh, well. That's why they
call it fishing and not catching. Be sure to check the links for details about
Capt. Richard's mackerel techniques and rigs.
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Marilijn and Lisa
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Trolling
is effective for covering a lot water but when mackerel are schooling, nothing
beats live bait and chumming, says Capt. Richard..
A frozen or dry chum block
available from tackle shops thrown over the side will draw fish to you. Live sardines,
threadfins or shrimp are then drifted in the chum slick. Chumming with a few injured
sardines can really whip Spanish into a frenzy. Once feeding actively, the fish
will usually hit anything that moves. It is when they reach this point that fly
anglers often take advantage by casting into schools of thrashing fish, says Capt.
Richard. When the fish are running large (4 to 7 pounds) they offer tremendous
action on light tackle. |
Lures Used