Captain’s Corner: Rob Gorta

The Tampa Bay Times

The Fort Desoto area is a great area to find some redfish action right now.  For the last few years, the monster schools have been absent.  To start the day out, I will find a shoreline where mullet are jumping and start there.   This time of year when the water temps are high, mullet let you know a couple of things, there is enough oxygen in the water and they are over a good grassy area.  Redfish forage in the grass looking for crabs and shrimp.Redfish are probably the most wary fish in our area.  If you use a trolling motor, use the lowest setting possible to will allow you to get close to the school.  A high setting will spook any fish that is around and make them hard to find.  I have seen schools break up and disappear in a blink of an eye.  I take my time and figure out what area reds are concentrating around and any paths fish are traveling. Once the area looks fishable, I will spread out 4 rods with cut bait. I like to use ten-pound braided tackle when targeting.  The braided line allows me to set up with the wind behind my back and make long cast reds.  The further away I can stay from the fish the better.  Twenty-pound camouflage leader with a 2/0 circle hook will provide a high hook up ratio.  A circle hook is designed to slowly set itself when using cut bait. When the line comes tight, don’t set the hook, just reel.  

Captain Rob Gorta

727-647-7606

www.captainrobgorta.com