As reported earlier in the week, the pelagics continue to make a strong presence in the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay waters. An 8-hour fishing charter out of John’s Pass in Madeira beach, Fl. last Friday proved it! Although the fishing turned out to be great and some very memorable catches were had…it did not come easy. A cold front had passed thru our region the night before that presented us with a 15-20 knot Northerly blow, which in turn produced some dicey seas in the 3-5 foot range.
With a strong outgoing tide, netting bait on the John’s Pass Bridge was a challenge, but ended with a livewell full of ladyfish, pinfish, sardines and threadfin. We left the pass for a slow, bumpy ride out to the fishing grounds, hoping that today’s fishing charter would not require too much travel as conditions were less than favorable. Within 10 minutes of getting lines in the water we were hooked up with a nice Kingfish that was pushing 20#s plus…good job Mike! After a few nice Spanish mackerel and an extensive lull in the action, we were unexpectedly offered a ‘bonus’ fish-we hooked into the ‘Silver King’…that’s right, Tarpon! Lance from Kingston Technologies was up for the battle, or so he thought, and after 1 hour and 5 minutes he brought this beautiful silver beast to the boat. This fish would probably push the scales to the 100 pound mark, and Lance’s sore back would agree.
We continued to fish this particular spot for the rest of the trip with a few more bulky pelagics making their way into the mix. A school of Cobia just happened along our path, and we were ready. Jon was on the spot when he pitched a giant pinfish into the pod of fish and must have landed that big bait right on the forehead of one of these brown and white bruisers. It was game on from there and ended with 2 big Cobia coming over the rail, compliments of Mike and Charlie. Check out first-mate, Jon, holding up Charlie’s prize catch and new dinner companion…Way to go Chuck! Soon after the Cobias made their way into the fish box, we had a giant Barracuda hit one of our baits and go aerial by about 15 feet above the water. This one got away quickly and we were on our way back to the docks inside John’s Pass for a fish cleaning session, and to claim first place in a mini tournament for biggest Kingfish, amongst 7 other charter boats. Jawbreaker fishing strikes again!
If you are planning a corporate event for your employees or preferred clients, there is no better way of showing appreciation for their hard work and dedication than taking them fishing. Book a fishing charter with Jawbreaker fishing charters on St.Pete beach or John’s Pass and leave the entertaining to us. Call today! Happy fishing to ya, Capt. Dan