Place an Ad Calendars Classified Forums Sports Weather

sptimes.com Text-only News sections Arts & Entertainment AP The Wire Business Citrus County Columnists Floridian Hernando County Hillsborough Letters Movies Neighborhood Times News Update North Pinellas North of Tampa Obituaries Opinion Pasco County South Pinellas Sports State Tampa Bay TV Times World & Nation  Find your local news section Weekly sections Brandon Times City Times Homes Outdoors Perspective Personal Tech Taste Travel Weekend Xpress Special Sections Arena football Buccaneers College football Devil Rays Lightning Police reports Schools Seniority Subscriber Services Subscribe Renew Help Advertise Place an ad In print Online Market Info Join Us Internships Scholarships Times Jobs Contact us

Outdoors

Daily fishing report

Schools of amberjack have taken up temporary residence at many wrecks, reefs and springs in more than 100 feet. With more boaters than ever capable of reaching these destinations, fishing in a crowd is often the norm.

Nothing seems to fire up the competitive spirit in an angler quite like having to share a fishing spot. We often treat these well-publicized numbers as if we discovered them ourselves. We may even get a bit possessive when others encroach.

We best learn to share. It's unlikely anyone would turn around after a 40-mile trip just because you already are there. Common courtesy will allow several boats to fish the same wreck.

When AJ fishing, drifting is good etiquette and can be just as effective. Not only does it allow others to take their turns over the preferred areas, amberjack often will stay under your boat as you drift well away from the wreck.

Some wrecks, like the Mexican Pride, can accommodate many. An ocean barge sunk in 125 feet, it's as long as a football field. Others may be covered by only a boat or two.

When approaching areas where others are fishing, exercise your right to anchor wherever you choose. Don't be shocked if the others don't exchange pleasantries. Those there ahead of you also might have anchored, so don't complain too loudly if they crowd you.

-- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright