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.
