The Kingfish have arrived, on St.Pete Beach, and in the Tampa Bay area. Tim Lawler and son, Nathan, can certainly testify to the non-stop action that they and the Jawbreaker crew experienced on Friday's 4-hour fishing charter. All the way from Portland, Maine, these guys were ready for action!
Northeast winds in excess of 30 knots were in the forecast for the Tampa Bay area on Friday and I had the daunting task of trying to explain, to my charter, why I could not take them offshore, deep-sea fishing. Even though the seas appear to be calm, standing here on land, I explained, only 3 miles offshore would closely simulate being in a washing machine...and another few miles out would be downright neglectful on my part. So, we took our 'small craft' warning and stayed within the safety, and comfort, of St.Pete Beach. Oh, I also explained to our new friends that this was not a bad option, considering all of the conditions of the Fall season were in effect, we had a good shot at a trophy Kingfish.
After catching a livewell full of threadfins, and a few 'secret weapons', we had a very short run out of Pass-a-grille and back into the calm, nearshore waters of St.Pete Beach. We set the anchor and first-mate, Jon, had the first bait in the water and on it's way to the after life! God I love this time of year. The fish were cooperative, and before we could sit down there were Ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and all sorts of baitfish coming over the gunnel....then it happened, the first Kingfish of the Fall season found our offering and literally flew 15 feet into the air with bait in mouth...Game on! Nathan Lawler was into the fight of his life with his first Gulf of Mexico Kingfish. Yeah Baby!
Well, the action was steady for 3 more hours, with 3 more big Kingfish making their way into the Jawbreaker ice box, along with a few large Spanish mackerel. The guys were also treated to a giant Barracuda showing up and pre-bleeding one of Nathan's Kingfish. Tim Lawler caught his first fish ever, a 4 pound mackerel, and Nathan Lawler caught the Kingfish fever with 4 big Kings in the 18 to 25 pound range. Tight work Nate!...looking forward to next year! Check out Nathan with his proof of kicking serious Kingfish ass on the Jawbreaker! Happy fishing folks, Capt.Dan