It's a Free-For-All

What's hot: Fall "mixed bag" fishing remains top-notch in Pinellas and Pasco counties. Even dedicated flats fishermen can't pass up the free-for-all in the gulf.

Good weather, great fishing: As long as the fair weather continues, so too will the action. Spanish mackerel, bonito, school kings and bluefish seldom have been easier to catch. A 1- or 2-mile run off the beach should put you right in the middle of the action. Cast small, shiny jigs or spoons into the visible pods of fish for nearly continuous hookups.

Send one deep: When the pelagic species are chasing the tiny baitfish, the small, isolated schools of minnows often take up shelter around structures on the bottom. This combination of good cover and thick bait often attracts gag grouper from neighboring rock piles. Keep an eye on the depth recorder for the tell-tale blob of bait showing over hard bottom. If one of these gems shows up, drop a live pinfish or threadfin herring to the bottom. Mangrove snapper might join the gags as they capitalize on the baitfish driven to the bottom by their migratory neighbors.

Ed Walker charters out of Tarpon Springs. Call 727 944-3474 or e-mail info@lighttacklecharters.com.