Go Fish for 10/6/12 by Capt. Bill Miller

   Don Gavoni and Robbie Deross had a big day with Capt. Billy Miller this week. Variety was what they asked for and variety was what they got.

   Miller and crew anchored over some hard bottom west of Johns Pass in 45 feet of water and started a chum line consisting of a frozen chum bag hung over the side, small pieces of fresh cut white bait and some crippled live baits.

  After a few minutes of chumming free lined live baits were put out on the top and baits were sent to the bottom. Action was immediate with keeper gag grouper, mangrove snapper, white grunts on the bottom lines and kingfish and Spanish mackerel on the top lines.

  Variety on the flats is the game now also. Speckled trout and redfish are available over the top of the flats on the high tide. As the tide drops move to edge of the flat and set up. Put some live chummers out and expect action from trout, reds, mackerel, ladyfish, jacks, sharks and more.

   Tarpon are along the gulf beaches attacking bait schools. Look for tight, blood red spots of bait or big muddy areas and the tarpon should be close by. Throw free lined pinfish or white baits into the area and be ready for action.

   A 44 pound kingfish was caught at the Redington Pier this week. A small, legal mackerel on a stinger rig did the trick. Ladyfish and pumpkin seeds are also top baits.

    Spanish mackerel are biting at the Skyway piers on the incoming tide. Use greenbacks under a cork or a silver spoon for the macs. A piece of cut greenback by the pilings will also get mangrove snapper.