Things are returning to normal; the water temperatures in the mid to high seventies, the live bait’s on the flats and bridges and we’re catching plenty of fish.

The summer outlook is shaping up nicely. As usual it’ll be warm, but we can expect to catch plenty of fish. Last month I ran a three day trip for a family from Wisconsin; a dad, brother and their sons. What a great group of guy’s; we caught plenty of snook with the big one at 39 inches long and 17 lbs. What a great way to end the day, the fish struck as we were getting ready to call it a day. On inshore tackle, around the mangroves, it took what seemed a lifetime to get her under control, then a couple of quick photos and back to fight again.

Tarpon - Tarpon - Tarpon: Favorably nicknamed the “Silver King” these awesome fish will always make your day, and occasionally make you sore. If you’re interested in tackling one of the most sought after sport fish; now’s the time to get something booked before all the good tide days are gone. Keep in mind you don’t want to over load the charter with people. There are days when we hookup several fish, but days when we only get one or two. When tarpon fishing; two anglers is about the right number, we can fish up to four anglers, but you must decide who is up to bat.

In Tampa Bay we’re fortunate to have a series of alternatives to fall back on if the mighty tarpon refuses to eat. Snook, Redfish, Mackerel, Kingfish, Trout and other options are almost endless.

Snook (Season’s Closed until September): We can expect a good snook bite throughout the summer, but remember the seasons closed until September first. There are plenty of nice fish around and they are ready to eat. Catching snook on light tackle is like catching a bass on steroids and the aerial displays make the experience a lifetime memory.

Redfish: We’re starting to see some schooling fish around the grass flats and oyster bars. Silence is golden when it comes to redfish; any noise and they’re gone. Primarily feeding in shallow water noises are magnified and resonate through the boat and into the water. If you’re sitting on a school of fish you can literally see them scatter at the slightest sounds.

Spotted Sea Trout: Deeper grass flats, greenbacks or shrimp, and a popping cork and you have yourself trout bite. Topwater also lures make an early morning trip more exciting watching the lure with excited anticipation; you just never know what’s going to strike.

Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, Sharks, Cobia, and Kings: As things around the bay heat up you can expect these to join the action. There are a few Kingfish hanging around the hard bottom just off the beaches and when chumming for King’s always watch for cobia. When the threadfins show up show so does the mackerel and sharks.

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the areas top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done. Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814.

As expected the winds usually subside this time of year and we’ll return to our normal fishing. With the many fronts blowing in from the north and northwest it seemed like the fishing gods decided we should do something other than fish. As the waters warm, bait shows up on the flats, winds lighten and if recent trips are any indication, then its good fishing ahead.

 Snook season officially closes this month as it does every year. However, due to disastrous kills earlier this year it will be closed until September. However those surviving are beginning to show up in the usual places. Earlier kills will definitely have some effect, but we’re beginning to catch a few on artificial’s around the mangroves and docks. If not hurt too much they should really turn on this month. Good tidal grass flats, passes or cuts from upper Tampa Bay all the way to Sarasota should prove productive. Anglers using and chumming with greenbacks usually produce plenty of action, but use caution when tossing out baits, too many and you’ll fill them up.

 Spotted Sea Trout should continue improving especially as the bait moves onto the grass flats. Look for broken bottom grass flats with sandy potholes or hard rocky bottoms. These areas produce some good size fish. You can expect plenty of action on artificial lures. Jig the bottom using soft plastics or an artificial shrimp under a popping cork. If live bait is you thing, small greenbacks or shrimp free-lined or under a popping cork always produces fish.  

 Redfish should pick up this month using live bait or artificial lures. Although it seems they’ve had lock-jaw; recently we’ve been getting some to eat using live or dead baits; but you’ve got to be patient. Check you favorite oyster bars, cuts and broken bottom grass flats on the last of an outgoing tide and the first of an incoming. Do not forget, redfish often feed with large schools of mullet as they stir up the bottom. 

Cobia should start cursing the sandy flats and markers and will eat just about anything tossed at them. Remember markers, grass flats, or any structure holding bait is a good starting point. Also, large rays, manatees and sea turtles often support cruising cobia.  

 Spanish Mackerel/Bluefish: As the massive schools of threadfin herring invade Tampa Bay the Spanish mackerel and bluefish bite goes crazy. It’s not unusual to limit out in a couple of hours and have a blast doing it. Good catches already being reported throughout the bay especially on moving water. Pull any shiny spoon or lure through the water on wire leader and hold on. They also like free-lined live threadfins and greenbacks. I’ve been using 60 pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, shiny long shank 2/0 hooks and # 2 or 3 split shots with good success. A word of caution; mackerel have razor sharp teeth and plenty of them, so be very cautious when handling as they can inflict a nasty and infectious bite.

 Kingfish action should be good on any nearshore hard bottom holding bait. They often move into Egmont channel and lower Tampa Bay as the water temperatures reach the 70’s. Rig up and experience some awesome action on the speedy action fish.

 Tarpon are showing around the Skyway and along the beaches. They also begin moving inside around deeper flats and hard bottom or artificial reefs holding baitfish. Expect plenty of activity throughout the summer using free-lined threadfins, pass crabs and greenbacks.

 “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the areas top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

 Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.  Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814.

There is something mystical about arriving on an early morning grass flat. As a pre-dawn fog begins slowly lifting you quietly ease the trolling motor into the water. Slowly making your way into your favorite Redfish area your fishing pal remarks, “I can’t believe no one else is around”.

 Glass flat water and a light fog make a perfect morning to work topwater lures across a broken bottom grass flat. Picking up your rod and sending your favorite lure rocketing through the morning air you turn to you pal and say, “First fish for a buck”. “You’re on”, he mutters back.

 As the ripples disappear you begin a longtime technique of walking-the-dog. This is where the lure bobs from side to side with each twitch of the rod. You’ve done it a thousand times, but are never ready for the adrenaline rush that comes when a fish swirls on your lure. The thought barely clears you mind and it happens… a large Redfish attacks and grabs your the lure, “Fish-On dude, get out your wallet.”

 This scenario plays out thousands of times a year around the state and particularly the Tampa Bay area. “Redfish” are built to brawl and often disciplines some of today’s top inshore anglers. Over the last decade, Reds, as they’re often referred to” have become a major target throughout the south and is the fish to catch in Tampa Bay.

 Always popular as table fare and before management controls; redfish gained renewed popularity when New Orleans Chef Paul Prudhomme began serving the well-liked recipe known as “blackened redfish”. Inshore anglers had uncontrolled size and bag limits and the large offshore breeder schools, became easy targets for commercial netters. In jeopardy of overfishing, as early as November 1986, Marine Fisheries Commission began its first attempt at regulating this fashionable species. In 1989 they closed redfish to commercial harvest and instituted a no closed season, but an 18 to 27 inch slot limit, and a limit of one fish per angler per day. Life was again good for redfish anglers. Now this fish has gained popularity as a tournament target. Over the last 15 to 20 years, like freshwater bass, redfish became the object of many catch and release tournaments throughout the southern United States.

 Where’s the fish? With Tampa bay being approximately 35 miles long and at the furthermost point 12 miles wide; that’s a lot of water, so where are the fish? Tampa’s shallow grass flats extend from every shore; offering excellent fishing for shore bound anglers, boaters, and waders. There are also excellent opportunities from fishing piers.

 What to look for: When approaching an area especially on outgoing or low tides, stay alert the ever enticing black dotted tails sticking out of the water. Tails up and heads down is a sure sign that redfish are actively feeding. You might think, with their heads down they’re easy targets, but don’t be fooled; they have exceptional eyesight and even better hearing. It’s often said, “A redfish can hear you change your mind”. At other feeding times; as tides raise they travel into the many mangrove root systems flourishing along Tampa’s shore. A haven for everything from crabs to small baitfish the mangroves offer a buffet of delicacies for hungry reds. Regardless, whether you fish high or low tides fish migrate toward structure; the reason, it holds food.   

 Catching Redfish: Usually, searching for food, reds are never bashful about attacking anything that’s looks enticing. Artificial lures will catch redfish; the key is making it look tantalizing enough to interest a hungry fish. On the other hand natural bait anglers use live pilchards, pinfish and shrimp, but sometimes they just won’t chase artificials or live bait. This is where dead stinky cut bait, on a circle hook and left on the bottom comes into play.

 The Net Ban: Amendment Three of the Florida Constitution, otherwise known as the net ban, was approved by voter referendum in November 1994 and implemented in 1995 and greatly improved our Tampa Bay fishery. Fishing the bay area for over 50 years I’ve witnessed a fishing revival to the point you can readily catch Redfish, Snook, Trout, Tarpon, Mackerel, or just about any other species common to Florida’s west central coast.

 Mornings and time on the water makes everything worthwhile. I shudder to think that someday this will be lost forever. Unless we get involved and start conserving our natural resources, our ever-exploding population, and quest for the all mighty dollar will ultimately destroy the few we have left. If you do not think they’re not being threatened and already disappearing… just look around. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect these precious environmentally sensitive resources. If we do not speak up and accept the task… who will?

  ”Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the areas top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

 Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.  Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814.

Would you believe the favorite inshore bait and more commonly known as Pilchard, Whitebait or Greenback?

The scaled sardines, pilchard, greenbacks, whitebait, snook candy or the scientific name: Harengula Jaguana is found from the coastal waters of the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico down to Brazil. This fast growing scaled sardine is a pelagic schooling fish averaging 4 to 6 inches and making excellent bait for most Florida species. A herring like fish it has a dark back, silver sides and white belly.  This spring through fall “go-to” bait is the choice for serious live bait anglers. Usually caught with a cast net; some anglers use “Sabiki rigs”.

 Early spring they start showing up around bridges and buoys and as the waters warm they move onto shallow grass flats. When searching the flats, experienced anglers look for raindrop like tinkling on the surface with an occasional flip. Once you’ve seen the first time, it will become more recognizable in the future. Experienced netters also know that chumming draws them within net throwing range. What kind of chum do you use to attract them?

 Chum: Chum is chum right, not necessarily. Ask any live bait netter, and you’ll never get the same answer. Typically everyone invents their own concoction; with several requiring some fancy mixing using a variety of ingredients like; sand, oatmeal, rice, macaroni, dog food, cat food, sardines, fish oil, anise, soybeans, cornmeal, and bread. However, probably the number one ingredient for any chum is fish oil. Not just any oil, but the stomach-turning stinky stuff called menhaden oil. This is without a doubt the most awful stuff you will ever put your hands in and if you get it on your clothing, forget it, because it never comes out.

 A Simple Two-ingredient Mixture, that works every time. It’s a combination of powdered commercial fish meal or tropical fish food and menhaden oil. Fish meals are available at most bait and tackle stores and larger agricultural feed stores, but if buying from a feed store it only comes in 45 to 50 pound bags. If buying in bulk, I suggest storing it in air tight containers; I use two five gallon buckets with tight fitting lids.

 Getting Ready to Get Bait: In a ½ gallon bucket mix 8 cups of fish meal with two-cups, of that great smelling, menhaden oil. If it’s too thick, thin it by gradually adding saltwater and you are ready to start chumming. Some anglers will add a can or two of jack mackerel for good measure, but keep in mind; this will also attract pinfish and catfish. Setup near the bait and begin tossing small amounts in their direction. The mixture should disperse, sink slowly and create a fine oil slick on the water.

 Cast Net: In general, a 1/4 to 3/8 inch, lightweight net works great on the flats, because the lighter weight pulls less grass and is easier to throw. A heavier 3/8 to 1/2 inch net is normally required around deeper structure and bridges, especially those with strong currents.

 What’s a Scaled Sardine - What’s a Threadfin Herring: A question often asked is what is the difference between a pilchard and a threadfin? It is not hard to distinguish one from the other once seen side-by-side.

 A scaled sardine, has a slightly larger head and eye, predominately-sharper belly, no ray from dorsal fin, olive to dark green back, silver sides and belly and a faint dark spot on the upper gill plate.

 The threadfin is distinguishable at a glance by the prolonged last ray of its dorsal fin. With a bluish-black back, silver sides and belly. Their scales along the back have dark centers, and there is a dark spot just behind the upper gill plate cover. This predominate difference is the dorsal fin ray.

 In closing, many of our local tackle retailers carry fish food, jack mackerel and menhaden oil and just about everything else you need in the way of tackle, bait and riggings. Moreover, unlike larger discount or sports stores, if they do not have what you are looking for they will get it for you. They are also a great place to get current fishing reports, information and recommendations on tackle, or if you just want to talk fishing, someone is usually around to spin a yarn or two. Stop in and visit your local tackle dealer soon.

 “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the areas top outdoor fishing guide. He is also an outdoor writer, photojournalist, and speaker. Woody has guided the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years, and offers memorable fishing adventures.

 Single or multi-boat charters for larger parties are all the same. Tell me what you need and leave the rest to me. Woody’s website is located at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM or give him a call at 813-477-3814

Tampa Bay Fishing Report April 2010
By Capt. Woody Gore – www.captainwoodygore.com

Finally winter is over and spring is here. Now is the time to dig out those rods and reels and check out the boat, it’s time for another great summer of fishing.

Throughout the wintertime fishing was consistently poor with cold weather, cold water temperatures and high winds. Thankfully it’s over and the fishing should pick up as our water temperatures return to normal and the bait shows up on the flats.

I continually marvel at the excellent opportunities offered anglers. You’ll find many people fishing from the shore, bridges, or piers while others wade, or fish from boats, kayaks, or canoes. Fishing is a great pastime; not only does it give us the opportunity to catch a few fish; it also allows us to enjoy the wonders of our environment. Sometime catching fish is not as important as being on the water observing the balance of nature. So, when stress levels begin building to one notch below internal combustion. Step back, grab your fishing gear, and spend some time relaxing with nature.

Greenbacks should be showing at Skyway, deepwater markers and pushing onto the grass flats. Everything should be eating this month as they’ve been fairly tight lipped all winter. Snook are still closed, so it’s catch and release; Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, Mackerel will pick up as the water temperatures return to normal.

Snook (Season’s Closed Until September): The magic number for water temperatures seems to be the mid to high sixty’s and up, so look for them around deeper water early then moving shallower as the day continues to warm. Live baits always work for snook, but so do artificial lures. Redfish: Like snook the Redfish become easier as the temperatures climb into the 70’s. They’ll cruise along the deeper edges of grass flats moving toward the mangroves as the tide rises. If chumming, keep the baits within casting distance, you want to draw them to you. Not too much, over feed and they’ll stopping eating. Try pitching soft plastics around the mangroves on high incoming tides or low water outside flats. Spotted Sea Trout: This month produces some good catches on incoming or outgoing tides. A great target species, when using topwater popping plugs, live greenbacks or shrimp under a popping cork. Pop it a couple of times and let it sit until the water rings are gone and do it again. If there are Trout in the area they’ll strike. Tarpon: Always a winner, tarpon will be showing up around the beaches and bridges. If you’ve never targeted this magnificent fish, perhaps you should. The aerial acrobats of a hooked silver king can stop a heart. More times than not, it’s the jumps that make it worth while. Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, Sharks, Cobia, and Kings: With the onset of greenbacks and threadfins come the mackerel, sharks, cobia, and kingfish. These species can make a trip, especially for the kids.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the areas top outdoor fishing guide. He is also an outdoor writer, photojournalist, and speaker. Woody has guided the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years, and offers memorable fishing adventures.

Single or multi-boat charters for larger parties are all the same. Tell me what you need and leave the rest to me.  Woody’s website is located at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM or give him a call at 813-477-3814

People often say they are afraid of cooking blackened fish, especially because of the smoke factor. Blackened fish is easy and if you’re afraid of the smoke and smoke alarm cook it outside on the grille. You are going to get some smoke but it’s so worth it.

There are plenty of great Blackened Seasonings and I have tried lots of them, but I get some satisfaction in making my own blend. Old Bay seasonings are a great starter seasoning for veggies, potatoes, fish, shellfish, and poultry and I like it mixed in mine. If you have not tried it or your grocery does not carry it you can order it on.

You can use fillets of redfish, pompano, red snapper, grouper or salmon steaks.

1 tablespoons smoked ground paprika
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon light salt
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Give your fish a heavy coating and place in a very “HOT” pan with a little olive oil. Do not use your best cookware when blackening food. I use an old cast iron skillet that works great.

When it really starts smoking and you see the color of the fish cooked about half way through; it’s time to flip it over.  Serve it with a little lemon and some Zatarain’s Dirty Rice.

CATCH AND RELEASE IS GOOD - WHEN DONE PROPERLY

Catch-and-release angling is on the increase, which means many anglers are starting to view the process as a conservation practice. Mostly voluntary at this point catch-and release is being federally mandated in certain areas, to conserve our marine fisheries.

There is generally a lack of understanding regarding the level of mortality associated with the practice despite its widespread use. Folks believe that just putting a fish back means it’s going to survive; not so! Regardless of good intentions, the lack of understanding and the many variations in release and handling fish are till dying. Fortunately, the increase in catch-and-release has coincided with an increase in research and general recommendations based on available information.

Lactic Acid: Should be a major concern for light tackle anglers. Fish employ two basic muscle groups red and white. The red or dark muscle has a rich blood supply running the length of the fish. These are aerobic in nature burning oxygen derived from the gills. They aid in swimming, and also allow the fish to maintain its position in a current.

The fleshy part of a fish consists of white muscles; used occasionally for seizing food, they’re mostly used to evade predators. A hook and line constitutes a predator; white muscles are used as they struggle to avoid capture. Depending on the fight time, enormous quantities of energy, generated when glycogen based carbohydrates, metabolize.

This destabilization of glycogen, in the bloodstream, triggers huge build-ups of lactic acid. This acid buildup leads to acute stress levels and repression of the immune system can eventually cause death.

Humans have similar anaerobic muscles that also create lactic acid. If you’ve ever exerted yourself, like lifting weights at the gym, you may notice an intense burn prior to complete fatigue. Conveniently we often recover from this acid buildup within a matter of minutes. Fish on the other hand, are not as fortunate, it often takes 12 to 14 hours and as much as 72 hours for complete recovery.

Any lengthy hook and line struggle burns excessive white muscle fuel, which results in total exhaustion and eventual surrender. Just because it swims away after release does not

guarantee its survival. Today, with many anglers claiming environmental consciousness, we must take into account: 1.) the longer the battle, the more exhaustion 2.) the more exhaustion the more lactic acid 3.) the more lactic acid the longer recovery time. Keep in mind, complete exhaustion and shortened recovery times often prove fatal; they’re unable to avoid natural predators or hunt down food. Ensuring a faster recovery becomes the responsibility of every responsible angler It’s up to us to enjoy the battle, but end it quickly, before the fish reaches the point of no return.

Keep em’ wet: Getting the hook out, taking a photograph and admiring your catch takes time… Time out of water is a determinate to survival. Gills sophisticated and delicate organs designed to work in water where they excrete carbon dioxide while simultaneously absorbing oxygen. The fragile gill lamellae quickly collapse when exposed to air. When this occurs, bad carbon dioxide levels (CO2) increase and good oxygen levels (O2). Basically, the fish cannot breathe efficiently when returned to the water.

The physiological response to catch-and-release practices is relatively well understood, little is known about the cumulative impact of sub-lethal stressors. Studies conducted at the Queen’s University in Ontario confirmed the mortality rate relates directly to gill damage suffered from prolonged exposure to air. During the study 28% or 3 out of 10 fish exposed to air and released within 60 seconds survived, the other 72% died within 12 hours. Further, minimal exposure for 30 seconds or less increased the survival rate to 6 out of 10 and those not exposed to air, substantially increased to 9 out of 10.

Catch-and-Release Guidelines: While catch-and-release is physiologically stressful; stress and trauma can minimize mortality by following some general guidelines. Most catch-and-release research has focused on examining species-specific responses to potential factors affecting mortality. The following recommendations are given to reduce catch-and-release mortality for most species.

Angling Techniques:
• Daiichi Circle hooks will minimize the chance of deep hooking.
• Barbless hooks are easier to remove and reduce handling time.
• The use of artificial lures should be encouraged.
• Fishing lines left unattended have a greater chance of deep hooking.
• Fishing line should be adequate for species being sought. It prevents line breakage and reduces on-hook time.
• Hot and cold water temperatures affect survival. There are times when good intentions fail, especially during cold and warm months. Now you face the decision of keeping it for dinner or returning it to the food chain. If you’re keeping it for dinner, make certain it’s within the legal limits.

Landing Fish:
• Fish should be retrieved quickly to prevent exhaustion.
• Fish should be landed by a wet hand, where possible.
• Landing nets when required should be knotless and made of soft rubber. Frabill offers a complete line of Conservation Series Nets.
• When landing extremely large fish, consider using a landing cradle.

Handling and Photographing:
• Always use wet hands.
• Never place your fingers through gills or in the eyes.
• Never hold heavy fish by the jaw, it can damage the jaw and vertebrae.
• Hold fish horizontally to avoid damage to the internal organs.
• Keep fish in the water to minimize gill exposure to air.
• Have camera ready prior to landing.
• Photograph the fish in water, when possible.

Un-hooking Fish:
• Have long nose pliers available to back the hook out.
• Remove the hook quickly, keeping the fish underwater.
• Cut the line close to the hook, if deeply hooked and release quickly.
• Avoid stainless steel hooks they take longer to corrode.

Revival:
• When there is current hold the fish upright facing the current.
• Without a current, gently move fish back and forth until gill movements return to normal and it can maintain its balance.
• When the fish begins to struggle, let go and watch.

Fatigue, sub-level stressors, and air contribute to fish mortality. Anglers intentionally extending a battle with ultra-light tackle, usually signs a death warrant for the unwilling participant. Longer than needed battles creates unnecessary stress levels resulting total exhaustion and sometimes death. Knowing your target and common sense should dictate tackle requirements.

We must educate ourselves about the proper techniques to ensure their survival when catching and releasing these wonderful creatures. Encouraged it, and become an ethical angler by releasing your catch with minimal damage.

Captain Woody Gore is an outdoor writer, photojournalist, and speaker. He also guides fishing charters in the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas. Fishing these areas for over fifty years he offers memorable fishing adventures. Capt Woody’s website is located at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM or give him a call at 813-477-3814

This article is owned by Capt. Woody Gore and is copyright protected. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by Capt. Gore. wgore@ix.netcom.com

As usual the news media “Sensationalized the Circumstances” making folks think every fish in the area was killed. Nothing is farther from the truth…

I’ve lived here for 63 years and I believe its nature’s way if controlling nature. We’ve been through it before and we’ll go through it again.

“Fishing is exceptional” We’ve been catching fish on every trip since the cold spell, and it’s getting better every day, as the water temperatures return to normal.

We had some unseasonably cold weather and low water temperatures, in January, which was responsible for a large fish kill. Most species affected centered around catfish, spade-fish, sand perch, mullet, lady fish and snook. Yes, that’s right, we lost many large snook, but on a positive note, millions survived.

Snook - Snook fishing is notably slow during the winter; so I usually target other species giving them a break until spring. It’s difficult anyway trying to get them to eat when they are trying to stay warm. We did loose some big fish during the freeze, but these are older fish on the last of their life cycle. Nature at work.

Redfish - Fishing is good during the winter with plenty of available fish. We’ve been getting some nice slot fish on shrimp and cut bait. Terry Huff is pictured with a nice Tampa Bay Redfish. A sad note: Terry passed last year from lung cancer. See “Things That Matter”

Spotted Sea Trout - These fish light up during the cooler months and it’s not unusual to catch a limit in a short while. We’ve had days when it’s a fish on every cast. We get them on live shrimp and artificials and they are great eating.

Cobia - The cooler temps usually push the fish into or near the warm water run off of local power plants. However, we have better success in the summer months on flats and markers.

Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Pompano - I’ll be targeting sheepshead shortly around bridges and dock pilings. They move inside this time of year to spawn and we catch some really big tackle busters. Folks usually don’t think of sheepshead as tackle busters, but when the spawning crew moves in… hold onto your rod.

Wintertime Mackerel should continue strong and bluefish are always a hoot on light tackle, and many times when trout fishing we’ll luck up on a Pompano or small permit.

Winter in Florida is not what our northern neighbor’s experience, but when the temperatures drop it does keep a few crackers off the water. This is a great time to get catch up with those trailer issues you’ve been avoiding.

If you are loafing around this winter, staying warm, at least try to look busy. If not your significant other might spot you doing nothing. This trigger’s an instinct known only to them; and they immediately realize this cannot be right; there is definitely something is wrong with the picture. Then from nowhere they appear with a sheet of paper. Cringing, we try to avoid eye contact and finally realize we’re busted. She’s right in front with the dreaded “List.” That’s right, it’s the honey-do or marriage maintenance list that seems impossible to accomplish in a lifetime and certainly not before spring.

However, as members of the “APHC” or “Anglers for Peace at Home Club” we know we can do it, we’ve done it before. After all, winters a good time to get a few things done around the house and tune up your boat, fishing tackle, and other equipment. Springs just around the corner and we need to be ready.

The woes of the unprepared are evident along any highway as spring arrives. They’re sitting on the side of the road with flat tires, burnt wheel bearings, broken springs and axles. Then again, those fortunate enough to make it to the ramp are sitting in a boat that won’t start or run. These problems can really but a damper on things; however, with minimal effort and planning they can be avoided.

Pro-active Preventative Maintenance is the key to preventing avoidable problems. Simply it means “fixing what needs fixing, before it needs fixing.” Preventative maintenance goes along way toward avoiding future repair cost, while curtailing reciprocal damage to other parts. It certainly makes your life easier.

Two categories of outdoor people exist today, the ones that have it done and the ones that do-it themselves. Regardless of which group you’re in, waiting until the last minute to get something repaired is asking for trouble. Appreciably, things happen at the last minute, but others we’ve known about well in advance.

The most neglected, but essential piece of equipment used in getting a boat to the water is the trailer. If for no other reason than the application they require constant attention.

For trouble free trips, here are some easily preformed inspections you can do at home. Another excellent time to inspect is at the ramp after you launch or before load.

Preventative Maintenance for Trailers includes bearings, brakes, tires, lights, wiring, winches, straps, hardware and frames. Remember, boat trailers take a beating, so keeping it clean and repaired prolongs the inevitable.

A Tip for “Do It Yourself Types” Digital Cameras offer tremendous advantages. When you get into new territory like cleaning and repacking a wheel bearing, cleaning a reel, shotgun or anything for the first time, take plenty of in-focus photos along the way. Now when it comes to putting it back together and you are not sure where something goes, just print the photos and there you are.

Wash it after each use, particularly when used in saltwater. Rinse everything thoroughly; the suspension, frame, wheels, crossbar tubes, spare, hitch, inside of the wheels and flush the brake assemblies thoroughly.

Bearings keep things rolling. During inspections look for an accumulation of grease on the inside of the wheel; this means the rear seal may be damaged and should be replaced. Bearings should be checked and lubricated every month or sooner depending on usage. When lubricating wheel bearings use a hand grease gun (not a power one) applying grease until you see it begin to ooze out; over filling may damage the rear seal. If the grease is milky it means water is present and the bearings should be repacked.  It’s a good idea to clean and repack wheel bearings every six months to one year depending on the amount of use.

Brakes stop your rig. If your trailer is equipped with brakes; check them for leaks, worn rotors, disk or shoes and proper operation. Brake on boat trailers wear quickly, so keep and eye on them. Brake fluid will evaporate over time so keep the reservoir full. If the fluid gets too low you’ll need to bleed the system. You’ll notice this during stops and starts, because the trailer will clunk back and forth.

Tire Pressures & Treads are different on trailers, so maintain the correct pressure. Tire pressures are usually found on the sidewall in small letters. Check tread and wear patterns occasionally; rotating and balancing the tires. When replacing a tire especially on aluminum rims, make certain all corrosion is removed from the bead contact area and always replace valve stems. If you don’t carry a spare you should and remember to change a flat also requires a a suitable trailer jack and lug wrench.

Lug Nuts become especially important when you have a flat. Inevitably they will rust and trying to remove them is next to impossible. However there is a remedy for this called “Never Seize” This anti-seize compound is formulated with copper graphite, aluminum and other ingredients to protect metal parts from rust, corrosion and seizure. It’s found at most auto parts stores and when applied to your lugs and wheel nuts can be a life saver, when changing flat tires.

Lights & Wiring are always trouble on trailers. Make sure the wires are not cut from rubbing on the frame. Have someone assist in checking the proper operation of brake lights, turn signals, and running light. Although subject to interpretation mounting your lights on the guide poles is an easy solution to water problems. For greater day and night visibilities install the newest “LED” style lights.

Highway Emergency Kit: Put together an emergency kit that includes:
•  Spare tire and wheel, a can of inflate-a-tire, flashlight w/extra batteries
•  Lug wrench w/ extension handle, hydraulic jack, wheel chocks
•  Extra wheel hub assembly w/ bearings, seals and lug nuts
•  Marine wheel-bearing grease, spare tie down straps, spare winch strap,
•  Replacement light bulbs, replacement fuses, and safety markers and flares.

Do this before the major fishing season gets underway and you’ll be well ahead of the game. Then if you experience an issue with our trailer, you’ll be prepared to handle it. Overall, it just makes our life simpler.

Tasty Crab & Parmesan Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms make a great appetizer or side dish for a seafood entree.

Ingredients:
1 pound large mushrooms
6 tbsp. butter
3 green onions, minced
3 to 4 tbsp. minced red bell pepper
4 ounces crab meat
1 cup fresh fine bread crumbs
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. Cajun or Creole seasoning blend
1/8 tsp. pepper
4 tbsp. Parmesan cheese

Preparation:
Wash and trim the end of stems from mushrooms. Pop remaining stem out. Chop stems and set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons butter; brush over mushrooms. Get an 8 inch baking dish or one that will hold all the mushrooms in one layer and spray it with butter-flavored spray or grease with.

Makes 16 to 20 stuffed mushrooms