Vortex Charters Fishing Report
04-30-2003
Captain Chuck MacIntyre
Vortex Charters of Tampa Bay
Kingfish is still the “hot ticket” for those seeking angler excitement this past week.
Lakeland resident Bill Mathews along with angling friend David took to the waters last Saturday in search of a smoker. After catching bait at one of the ‘cans’ that line the Egmont Shipping Channel, we set out for an area of hard bottom 7 miles from shore called “the rock”.
It was not long before David had a nice 3 pound Spanish Mackerel aboard. Not to be outdone, Bill jumped on the next fish and after a lengthy battle, brought an 18-pound King to the gaff. David then finished out the offshore portion of the trip with 2 more Kings.
Wanting to round out the fish fry that night, we stopped at a local grass flat where Bill brought in a nice 16-inch sea trout.
On Sunday, David King from Indiana went out in search of a grouper dinner. Every bait dropped in the 60-foot hole was bounced on by hungry Gags until the Kingfish showed up and began cutting the lines. Even the sabiki’s used to gather bait was slammed by hungry Kings on the bottom.
Mr. King then found himself in battle with something larger than the catfish he’s used to catching back home. Forty-five minutes into the fight, a 12-foot Nurse shark came up.
After a few quick pictures, it was released to fight again.
Catch’em up!
Capt. Chuck
www.vortexcharters.com
