CapMel.com - Fish Picture of the week 6.17.09

Now it's your turn to brag! Show the world just how good you are. We're interested in seeing photographs of your angling triumphs. You can email them to: mel@capmel.com. Be sure to include details as to where, when and how you caught the fish, plus your return address -- or send your prints to Capt. Mel Berman, 4002 Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611. If your photo is chosen, you will receive a loaded Love Lures Tackle box, -- and your picture will be on display for an entire week!

Our Fish Picture of the Week!

Dear Capt Mel,

My friend Martin was in town for the Memorial Day weekend so we decided to go flats fishing. We were fishing the flats adjacent to the new Westshore Yacht Club in South Tampa. Monday May 25th in the morning.

When I first spotted the shadow laying on the drop off, my first thought was look at that huge snook. We were using Mud minnows which I caught early. Our tackle consisted of 7.5 ft medium action Redbone rods, Shimano Stradic reels filled with 10 pound Power Pro, 25 pound fluorocarbon leader and 1/0 circle hooks.

I made a long cast past the fish, slowly worked my bait back to the shadow, it instantly sucked in the Mud Minnow. I reeled the line tight and the fish instantly came to the surface. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a Alligator Gar. After a great 15-20 minute battle, I landed the fish.

I must admit I was torn on whether or not to release the fish. I wasn't sure if it was a natural fish to the waters, but I did decide to release the fish and it swam away healthy. I have never seen a Alligator Gar in salt water! Is this a common fish to bay waters, or should I have removed it? I love your website and visit it often. I hope to see this as the fish picture of the week.

Patrick Pruitt
Seffner FL

What a unique catch in local Tampa Bay area waters.. And we're certainly glad that Patrick released that fish/ Even though gars mainly inhabit fresh waters, they do occasionally sneak a trip into saltwater. As his prize, Patrick will receive a "Capt. Mel MirrOlure assortment" of some of the most productive, fish-catching plugs.

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