There is nothing quite like the sight of a hungry predator exploding from the water in a vertical 20-foot leap with your lure or fly planted firmly between its tooth studded jaws.

Late April and May are the perfect times to target these streamlined, small scaled rockets along the Gulf Coast beaches. Kings can be caught in a myriad of ways, but experience has shown me there is no more exciting method than top water plugs and flies.

While it's certainly possible to target them by just exploring the edges of bait schools off the beaches, by far the most effective means is to attract them into a chum line, get them popping live baits and then tossing a big top water plug or fly right in the middle of the melee.

When rigging, you won't need heavy gear, but you will need to pay special attention to your terminal gear. One thing for sure you don't want your encounter with a big King to be terminal for you – just the fish.

If you're using spinning or bait casting tackle, start by doubling your standing line using a Bimini twist. Then attach a 12-inch section of wire using an Albright Special. There is a world of choices when it comes to wire. However the most versatile are relatively kink resistant and allow you to tie your lure or fly using your favorite knot. I've found the non-slip mono-loop to be the best as the open loop provides more room for the lure to maximize its action.

Fly anglers will need a rather heavy outfit, either a nine or 10 weight, not to fight the fish as much as to launch a fly big enough to attract a feeding king. Either a floating or sink tip fly line will work, but a sink tip actually accentuates the action of a popper.

Once you've located fish, make long casts and work the top water plug or fly vigorously, making sure to pause the retrieve occasionally. As one top water plug maker says, "You've got to give them time to read the menu."

When your offering does get smashed, make sure you're not too quick with your hook set and pull the lure or fly out of the king's mouth. Wait a couple of seconds and then set the hook with a short, sharp jab. Once securely hooked, make another couple of sets and enjoy the fight.

When the fist is ready to land, it's best to release them while they're still in the water, if you don't plan on taking them to the smoker. If you want to get a quick photo to document your catch, lift it quickly and carefully avoiding its razor sharp teeth. Get the shot and then release it by launching head first to give it a kick start.

When you're fishing around bait schools in the spring, you never know what you might encounter.

There is always the possibility of a cobia, little tunny, Spanish mackerel or maybe even a stray tarpon. Some of these species may be leader shy, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to a couple of other outfits ready with 40# mono bit tippet or long shanked hooks.

Whatever your fishing style, take advantage of the opportunities that abound off the local beaches when bait schools show up.