Captain’s Corner: Rob Gorta

The Tampa Bay Times

Threadfin herring and Scaled sardines seem to be unaffected by the devastation that has happened in Tampa Bay.  These baits can still be found up and down our suncoast with ease.  Most of the sardines is on the smaller side, so have a ¼ inch mess cast net to prevent the smaller baits from getting stuck in the net.  Spanish mackerel, Bonita, sharks and jack crevalles are the prominent species that I am finding around the mouth of Tampa Bay. Learning to how to throw a cast net can be one of the best things that anyone could ever learn in our area. We are extremely fortunate to have these baitfish survive. Filling the live well with threadfins and scaled sardines is the main goal, so you have the proper bait for anything that might happen while out on the water.  I have been taking advantage of the deep grass flats in 5 to 18 feet of water.  Once I am set over the grass, I start live bait chumming.  This starts a feeding frenzy of any species in the area.  Action is fast and furious and every cast that is made results in a strike.  On a recent trip, we caught jacks, small sharks, and an occasional Spanish mackerel. Small redfish schools can still be found but running long distances to find them is necessary. They are moving to avoid the toxic waters that are constantly moving with the wind and tide.  Sea trout, one of the most popular and easiest of all to catch has been decimated by the toxic water.  I have never seen anything like it before in my 25 year career. 

Captain Rob Gorta

727-647-7606

www.captainrobgorta.com