Go Fish for 3/11/12 by Capt. Bill Miller

   Sailfish are in our local waters. Capt. Billy Miller caught one this week in 35 feet of water at the Times Square area on a live white bait and spinning tackle.

   Normally sailfish are not thought of as a commonly caught fish on this coast however they are caught farther offshore in the Loop Current with regularity. However, during the bait migration from the south and later back from the north, sailfish can be caught in much shallower water.

   Miller and party had caught two dozen kingfish when the sail hit. It swam deep and did not show itself until it was almost boat side. When the sail saw the boat it went crazy pulling off 150 yards of line and jumping 10 times.

   As the sail came back along side the boat Miller grabbed the sailfish by his bill and hauled him over the side for some quick pictures and a release. The sail was 6 ½ -7 feet long.

   Tarpon fishing has been fair for anglers fishing the local bridges at night. Action has been reported at the Gandy, Frankland, Davis Causeway and Skyway Bridges.

   Floating a pinfish, green back or jumbo shrimp on the dark side of the shadow line is the best way to get bites. Fly anglers have also been scoring casting streamer flys to the cruising silver kings.

    Weedon Island has big schools of redfish patrolling the flats. White bait and cut ladyfish has been the best baits. Plenty of big snook have been caught in Christmas Pass chumming with white bait.

   Schools of Spanish mackerel have been seen crashing glass minnow’s way inside of Tampa Bay near Catfish Point and Long Bar.