Tampa Bay Kingfishing heads West

Nothing says Fall on the Gulf Coast quite like the sound of a fully 
engaged reel screaming at 30 miles per hour as a "smoker" kingfish 
runs west. The kings are migrating down from their Summer homes off 
the panhandle and now, with the Gulf temperature hitting the mid-70's 
and schools of baitfish inspiring them to go on the feed, is prime 
time to tackle one of the gamiest fish the Gulf has to offer.

The Jawbreaker team spent a recent morning working a shallow rocky 
area off St. Pete Beach where, historically, big kings are hunted 
within a mile or two of the beach. The big kings (25 to 50 pounders), 
cruise these shallow areas alone and in small packs, looking for 
large forage (mackerel, ladyfish, bluefish) to feed on. Armed with a 
well-full of the biggest cigar minnows you can find anywhere (one 
throw on the stick and we were all filled up), we slow-trolled from 
16 to 20 feet of water in search of a trophy king -- and it didn't 
take us long to find one. After putting an 18-pound king and a half-
dozen jumbo-sized Spanish mackerel in the boat, the big king hit. The 
first run was 100 yards due west in a hurry, just like most big kings 
will do. Then the fish came to the boat. . .only to take off on 
another blistering run.  Three times it came to the boat, only to 
dump the reel again and again and again.  Jawbreaker First Mate Jon 
West handled the fish on the rod while Capt. Dan maneuvered the boat 
in between crab trap lines and then did the gaffing. The fish was a 
solid 30-pound plus and would of been a welcome sight on tournament day.

It was a great way to kick off the Fall run. With the water cooling, 
the action will only get better and better. Looking for the fish of a 
lifetime, drop Capt. Dan a line today and get in on the run while 
it's hot.