Holy mackerel !

The winds laid down for a few days this past week and allowed us the opportunity to hit the flats and fish. The spanish mackerel have arrived in strong numbers throughout the entire area. We have been catching them in 4 - 14 feet of water. Drifting with a chum bag hung from the boat is a good tactic. I like to throw silver spoons or freeline shrimp. Mackerel love to hit a moving target so when working a spoon allow it to sink close to the bottom and retrieve it back quickly. When freelining shrimp try using a #2 hook with a long shank. If there is a strong tide use a split shot to get the shrimp down in the water column. Some anglers prefer to use a wire leader to prevent these toothy critters from an unfortunate cut off but these wire leaders may prevent strikes. I often use a 30 LB. test monofilament leader with a long shank hook. No matter what you use cut offs are a part of mackerel fishing. Not only are spanish mackerel fun to catch but they are a great tasting fish. This fish is quite healthy because the meat is high in omega 3 oil which is good for your heart unless you fry it and smother it in tarter sauce. Florida anglers are allowed a daily bag limit of 15 spanish mackerel per day and the have to measure 12 inches to the fork. This Saturday April 4th I will be at the new Sports Authority on Commercial Way for their GRAND OPENING! I will be there with my boat for most of the day to answer any questions and to talk about fishing tactics and strategies. Stop by to talk and check out the Sports Authority fishing department. Good luck out there and tight lines!! Capt. Keith Tomlinson Bulldog Fishin Charters www.bulldogfishin.com (352)238-3581