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

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.

Snook (Gulf Coast Size Limit: 28-33 Inches) – The Snook bite’s been ok but nothing like the summer months. These earlier than normal cold snaps dropped the water temperatures drastically sending snook running for warmer water. If you’re looking for greenbacks they’re also on the move and much smaller. While they always seem to be at the Skyway, north winter winds often make it difficult if you are in a boat. Shrimp are usually available except when strong winds keep the shrimpers in port. Here’s a tip when using greenbacks or shrimp during cool water weather. Cut the tail fins off the sardines to slow them down and tail hook a shrimp with a jighead and fish it slow on the bottom. Remember bridges, docks and deepwater structure during cool water times.

Redfish – Redfish should continue cooperating provided it doesn’t the water temperatures don’t get too low. Cut bait and artificial lures are productive. Topwater lures worked with a “walk the dog” action is always exciting, especially on a calm morning.

Sea Trout – Cold water usually means the trout bite is going to start. As the temperatures begin cooling they head to the deeper grass flats, rocky shoals and start eating. This would be a good time to experiment with artificial lures.

Mackerel, Cobia, Sharks – for some reason we seem to keep some resident mackerel schools in the bay area. You’ll find them eating glass minnows and small greenbacks.

Cobias are starting to show up around the bay and with cool water temperatures they’ll head to the power plant hot water discharges. Chum bags, large shrimp and pinfish produce well.
When fishing the hot water discharges you’ll probably catch your share of smaller sharks.

Sheepshead – Sheepsheads are everywhere and should start picking up around rock piles, oyster bars with sandy shoals, docks and bridges. Scrap the pilings, use a piece of green mussel and hang on.

Tampa Bay’s the largest open-water estuary in the state, and is home to a myriad of sea grasses, marine life and a hale and hearty diversity of fish. These marine creatures attract many species of fish, birds, manatees and other wildlife which come to feast on the rich food sources. If angling is something you enjoy, then Tampa Bay and the inter-coastal waters of the gulf coast certainly offer some awesome fishing opportunities.

While fishing can be done year round, fall offers some excellent opportunities on a variety of species. On fishing outings some species you’re likely catch include snook, redfish, cobia, tarpon, trout, grouper, kingfish, and mackerel. Read on to see what’s going on in November?

As we approach the cool water temperatures of winter, shallow water fishing definitely improves. The fish start aggressively feeding for winter and become more active as they search for food. They’ll take an assortment of baits from live to dead. And since they will have large appetites anglers will have greater success using a wider range of artificial lures.

Snook: This is our last month to keep snook as the season closes December first. November is when things usually start coming alive around the bay and inter-coastal waterways. Snook are usually tops on the list as the fall transition has started and we are catching Snook on just about every shoreline.  The best bite has been at the beginning and end of either incoming or outgoing tides. Snook normally respond live baits as well as top water lures, jerk baits and shallow diving lures.

Spotted Sea Trout: Beginning November first it will be catch and release only in the south region until January first. Otherwise winter’s a great time for the big gator trout especially as they start working their way into the back-country and deeper grass flats. Often concentrating in deeper holes usually makes them easier to locate especially on low tides.

Redfish: The reds are still biting and some are still schooled up biting everything tossed in their direction. They should continue to be consistent on the flats and around the mangroves. A variety of artificial lures are catching their share along with live shrimp, sardines, and pinfish. The key to finding redfish, is fishing dark patchy bottoms, especially around schools of larger mullet. Although chumming with live bait works, tossing dead cut bait around the mangroves on flooding tides usually brings them out to investigate. Most are holding close to the shoreline.

Inshore Gag Grouper: The inshore grouper bite will pickup especially as the water temperatures cool down. Fishing should be good when we can avoid the northerly cold fronts and high winds. Lots of keeper nearshore and Tampa Bay fish coming up with a few really nice keepers from 15 to 25 feet of water. These guys are awesome fun especially on light tackle and trolling.

Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, Bluefish: November cold fronts are here and so are the traditionally high winds that follow. As the water temps fall with each passing front the near beach kingfish bite should improve. Tons of bait should bring the kings, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and bonito within a mile or so of the beach or inside the bay.

Fish With Captain Woody Gore: Fishing Florida for over 50 years I offer professionally guided fishing and teaching charters around Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tarpon Springs. So, if you want to catch fish, have a memorable adventure or perhaps learn some new fishing tips give me a call. I also specialize in group or multi-boat charters. Tell me what you need and leave the rest to me. To book a charter please visit my website “www.captainwoodygore.com” or call me at: 813-477-3814.

It’s that time of year, the fish are eating and we’re doing more catching than fishing. This is a great time to fish as late summer and early fall temperatures start dropping. If you want to catch tarpon, snook, redfish, trout, snapper, grouper, or sharks now is the time to do it. “Give Me a Call and Let’s Go Fishing” For charters or articles on catching fish, visit my website www.captainwoodygore.com.

Tarpon are still around and biting. We’ve caught plenty over the past month. On a recent outing with my son Capt. Mike took his new Ranger out for some break-in time and decided to do some early morning topwater action with our favorite the Top Dog Jr. The snook bite was slow so we decided to look around trying out his new Hummingbird 1197.

While checking an inshore reef south of St. Pete Pier, we noticed schooling tarpon feeding on a giant bait schools. Of course neither of us brought out tarpon gear and you can bet your bottom that won’t happen again. Not able to withstand the personal pressure, we decided to fish them anyway. I tied on the deepest sinking lure in the box a MirrOLure Catch 5 and began casting toward the schooling fish. To make a two-hour story short we jumped five tarpon and landed a nice cobia. Unfortunately, we lost every MirrOlure in the boat, but man… what a ride on tarpon.

Redfish and Snook are all over the area hanging around the many lush grass flats and mangrove shorelines. As redfish move back into the bay it’s not usually easy to find them schooled up on the many grass flats covering Tampa Bay. It’s also the time of the year when the really big reds show up. You never know whether you’re going to a catch one in the slot or one of the giants over 30 inches. These big reds often top the scales at 15 to 20 pounds. The upper bay area is holding good numbers of fish but you must pick your tide days carefully when fishing north of the Courtney Campbell Causeway by boat. The area gets extremely shallow on low water, so fish the higher tides with live bait or shrimp under a small cork.

Snook are in season until December 15 on the gulf coast. With most of the snook we caught averaging in the 22 to 25 inch range. The new slot limits of 28 inches to 33 inches often make it tough to put a slot fish in the boat, but if you work at it, you’ll catch one or two especially as fall approaches. We did catch one or two in the 29 to 35 inch range on live greenbacks. For those who like the night life associated with snook fishing, this is great time. They’re hanging under residential docks watching the light line for a quick meal. Use a shallow diving artificial lure or free-line a big shrimp. Make sure to use a weighty leader like Seaguar 30-40 lb., so you don’t get cut of on the pilings.

As for the others, we’ve been catching good sized mangrove snapper at the bridges with some topping out around 3 pounds. Cobia are showing and for us it usually only takes a chum bag over the side to spark their curiosity. If you hook-up, be ready with another rod and bait as other cobias will be following the action. Mackerel, bluefish, jacks and ladyfish are feeding on bait schools everywhere. If its glass minnows they’re after remember to match the hatch.

Never turn your fishing nose up at ladyfish and jacks especially when kids are involved; they can certainly make or break a trip. Most children are not interested in fishing, however they are interested in catching and they don’t care what it is. When you take kids fishing make sure it’s all about them. You’ll get your turn when you and your buds get out.

If you want to catch fish, have a memorable adventure or perhaps learning some new fishing tips give me a call. I also specialize in group or multi-boat charters. Tell me what you need and leave the rest to me. Fishing Florida for over 50 years I offer professionally guided fishing and teaching charters around Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tarpon Springs.

To Book Fishing Charters please visit my website CaptainWoodyGore.Com or call me at: 813-477-3814.

September Fishing Report – Tampa Bay Area

Snook season opens and as usual the action should be excellent. You’ll find plenty of big fish around bridges and passes especially at night with free-lined baits like pinfish, greenbacks and jumbo shrimp. Fishing the flats around broken bottom potholes and mangroves will be good. For some exhilarating experiences try tossing a good topwater walk-the-dog topwater lure. MirrOlure, High Roller, and Thunder Shad are excellent choices. If you’re not into artificial lures greenbacks always do the trick. However, this usually requires some experience throwing a net and a good circulating livewell. Early morning beach fishing is also productive, you’ll find plenty of fish chasing bait in the surf; try a shallow diving lure.

If you’re looking for some late summer fun particularly for the youngsters, take them snapper fishing. Not only are these fish fun to catch but they are great eating. Small free-lined greenbacks or pieces of fresh shrimp around markers, bridges or rock piles will usually result in a limit of fish. If the tides a little strong add enough split shot to keep the bait down 3-6 feet. Don’t forget a chum bag. Here’s a tip: Put them on ice immediately, this make them much easier to clean. It gels the fat in their stomach keeping it from sticking to your knife.

Tampa Bay is still be loaded with plenty of threadfins and the mackerel and bluefish will be all over them. Mac’s and Blue’s are excellent targets this month. If you’re looking for awesome, light tackle action this is it. Threadfins are everywhere but look around marker cans, range markers or shallow reefs. Anchor up current, toss out a few baits for chum and throw to the striking fish.

Redfish action will be steady with schooling fish moving around the area. Approach schooling fish carefully you don’t want to split them into several groups because it’s often difficult to group them back up. Always pole or slow troll to within casting distance, Power-Pole down and present a low profile by getting off the bow. Try to pick off fish at the outer edges; and never cast into the middle of the school. Reds eat shrimp, greenbacks, and pinfish. If they’re not looking for live bait cut bait might work.

Trout fishing is always productive around lush grass flats. It takes moving water to get them eating but when they start… its fish-on. Popping corks with artificial plastic tails or live shrimp will produce. If you’re watching a cork and it’s bobbing up and down that usually a pinfish eating your bait; trout snatch it under and keep it down.

August Fishing Report Tampa Bay Area

Redfish – August should see more redfish action around the Tampa Bay area. This past month we could find lots of fish but getting them to bite with any consistency was something else. I’ve set on schools of 50 to100 fish and tossed everything in the boat at them only to have them ignore our offerings. Occasionally we’d catch one or two on a cut pinfish but not with the action we’re used to seeing. With tons of bait around its likely the fish are not that hungry but at least they’re out there. The bay area notoriously produces good catches of redfish you just need to find the ones ready to eat. Redfish will push into the Mangrove lined shores and oyster bars on incoming tides. Live bait normally produces good catches along with cut baits. Early morning top-water artificial lures on the grass flats will offer some good visual excitement as well. Work both incoming and outgoing tides.

Snook - One More Month… Snook fishing will continue strong this month with larger fish still on the beaches. Expect to see them bunching up near passes and deeper holes. They often appear to have lockjaw but patience seems to pay off when looking for larger fish. Many report catching good fish with dead bait left on the bottom. Artificial lures usually produce some awesome action and if you’ve passed the learning curve you can have a great time tossing plastics to waiting snook.

Spotted Sea Trout – Trout fishing can always be fun especially when you find some larger fish willing to eat. I’ve been getting into some good action in deeper water and around the fish attractors using free-lined greenbacks. Also check out the deep grass flats (3-4 ft.) using a popping cork with greenbacks, small pinfish (the flats are full of them) or shrimp.

Cobia – Markers and sandy flats equal Cobia. These fish frequent markers especially those holding threadfins. They also cruise the flats following rays and manatees.  When marker fishing, keep a chum bag out you just never know what might show up.

Tarpon – Tarpon fishing at the bridge has its good and bad days. Recently we’ve been seeing nice pods along the beach. Threadfins, crabs and larger sardines should do nicely. If you happen upon a daisy chaining pod, toss bait into the middle and hold on. There are also good reports along the upper bay bridges. Fish the light lines at night.

Snapper - Grey Snapper are everywhere. Pieces of live shrimp or cut sardines on a ¼ oz. knocker rig works great. Just find a bridge, rock pile, dock or just about any structure and its fish-on.

Mackerel & Bluefish – Tampa Bay is loaded with mackerel and bluefish and fishing this month should be great. Just look for schools of threadfins, put out a chum bag and hold onto your rod and reel. I’m seeing mackerel catches up to 5 and 6 pounds and some of the biggest blues ever. This is some real excitement on light tackle but need to use wire leaders like 30# Tyger Leader and inexpensive long shank hooks. For some exciting top water action try tail hooking your bait and let it work against the current. This forces the bait to the top for some great top water strikes.

Everything eats shrimp even… anglers.

Regardless of the species you’re trying to catch on any fishing trip you won’t go wrong by having a few dozen shrimp along. And if you’re like me, being extremely fond of these tasty little rascals what I don’t use I always take them home and enjoy a little shrimp cocktail.

When it comes to live bait fishing, every angler has their own preference. However, almost unanimously all will agree that nothing rates higher than the every present shrimp. Simply put… everything in Florida waters eats shrimp. Consequently, if you’re searching for something that catches fish all year… it’s a live shrimp. This highly adaptable bait catches everything from pinfish to tarpon.

Pressure of work got you stressed and you need to relax, just go fishing. If you’re looking to forget the world’s problems or feel like taking the kids out for some afternoon rod and reel fun, shrimp would be a great way to do it.

Free-line on a hook, under a popping cork or one of my favorites, rigged with a bucktail jig and tipped with the tail section of a fresh shrimp. Fishing this simple rig around the mangroves, flats or structure will usually result in fish.

Inshore: July fishing is hot and humid and extra precaution should be taken when it comes to heat exhaustion. So, keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids. Heat exhaustion grabs you when least expected and can be fatal. Whether you’re fishing or boating during the summer drink plenty of fluids, wear a hat, and Sunblock.

Provided you can stand the heat fishing should be great. We can expect water temperatures to climb into the eighties and low nineties so watch your bait if using greenbacks. High water temperature means low oxygen levels especially in shallow water.

Not only the bait suffers, but fish also need oxygen rich water. So when you fish shallow look for areas with good tidal flows and changing water. Throughout the bay you’ll find deeper cuts and washes around and through grass flats, mangrove islands, oyster bars and shady mangrove shores, these are good starting points for many species.

Snook – Depending on tides and lunar phases, snook usually spawn around the full moon. Individual females may spawn every two days releasing over a million eggs per occurrence. For that reason, handle with care, revive quickly and return them gently to the water. Snook fishing is going gangbusters with nice fish caught on both live bait and artificial lures. This should continue through the summer.

Redfish – Redfish are found almost everywhere in the bay area. Search for them around oyster bars and early morning flats. Expect good early morning topwater action along grass flats and mangrove shores. Work both incoming and outgoing tides.

Spotted Sea Trout – Trout fishing been exceptional all year and unless something drastic happens we can expect it to continue all summer. Look for really nice size trout on Tampa Bay grass flats especially deeper edges on outgoing tides.

Cobia – Cobia will be traveling the flats and open water, sometimes as singles or groups and normally always behind large Rays. Keep your eyes peeled, toss your bait close and the battle begins.

Tarpon – Tarpon anglers should check the beaches and bridges. Threadfins, crabs and larger sardines should do nicely. Toss them directly into the path of rolling tarpon and hang on. Bridge Tarpon are always fun. Be ready to cast off your anchor line and buoy and give chase.

Snapper – The bay is loaded with these tasty fish. Although not as big as the offshore guys but they’re big enough to give you a terrific tussle on light tackle. Remember, these are reef species and the new laws require the use of circle hooks when using live or dead baits. Shrimp or cut sardines on a ¼ oz. knocker rig works great.

Mackerel & Bluefish – If you are looking for some great light-tackle action look, no further Tampa Bay is full of threadfins and that means Mackerel and Bluefish. Drift the bait schools or anchor around a marker tossing out a white baits or threadfins, and hang on. Shinny artificial lures like silver spoons also work.

Offshore:
Expecting the weather to remain hot, the winds should stay fairly calm for some warm water offshore action. While temperatures will often affect the near-shore bite cooler offshore temperatures turn fish on.

If it’s a snapper you’re after… it’s a great time to go fishing for these tasty fish. Also expect large Mangrove Snapper action at night from 50 feet on out, especially around the full moon.

Expect good catches of grouper, amber jacks, triggerfish, sharks, sea bass, and dolphin (mahi-mahi). There is also some pompano still hanging around the wrecks and as always goliath’s ready to eat anything you catch.

Inshore: As expected the fishing turned on around the bay area with plenty of great catches being reported. The greenbacks/whitebait has moved onto every grass flat and with some chumming it’s easy to get all you need for a day of fishing.

If you’re chumming bait into cast net range try using any form of cat food (east expensive the better). I use Jack Mackerel (purchased at my local grocery store), mixed with menhaden oil, (purchased at my local tackle shop) and several cups of fish food (purchase at my local feed store). I dump the jack mackerel into a small plastic bucket, mush it up real good, add a cup or two of menhaden oil and several scoops of fish food then mix everything together. When you get to the flat just toss out small amounts and watch the bait come running. Tip: if you purchase a bag of fish food my certain you have something to store it in, do not leave it in the bag. I use a two five-gallon buckets with lids.

Ok, we’ve got our bait… let’s go fishing. Tampa Bay if full of fish and finding those willing to eat is not difficult.

Snook, Redfish and Trout are everywhere around the bay. But if you’re looking for snook, remember they are out of season and must be released until the first day of September. Circle hooks are more fish friendly than conventional j-hooks and usually result in outer-mouth hookups. However, it you’re not paying attention the fish will swallow the bait and hook which almost always results in death. Therefore as soon as you sense the fish has taken the bait, simply ease back on the rod get a good bend in it and when you feel the fish start reeling.

We’ve been catching snook around the mangroves and around structure. However, on a few recent trips I’ve found plenty of fish on the grass flats… fattening up on whitebait.
There are plenty of reds around and you’ll find some schooling fish from Double Branch Creek all the way into Sarasota. I’m finding most of the fish we find will push up to the oyster bars and mangrove line on an incoming tide and feed until the tide turns to go out. We’re catching them on live greenies and artificial lures. Some reel exciting action comes on topwater lures like MirrOlure, High Roller and Thunder Shad lures. As the water deepens you might try a Gulp Shrimp around the oyster bars.

Everyone loves a good trout bite and lately I’ve been finding some huge seatrout around the outside edges of some hearty grass flats, especially when the tide begins falling. The bigger fish tend to move to deeper water and live greenbacks and shrimp free-lined or under a popping cork will do the trick.

Now for some real fun… the giant Spanish mackerel have arrived and they’re ready to eat. Plenty of huge fish are patrolling the beaches along the gulf and quite often you hook up with the occasional kingfish. These speedsters will be moving into the bay offering some awesome drag screaming action on light tackle. These fish hit hard, run long and offer a terrific battle and they are good eating.

I’ve been smoking them for about a year now and they are delicious. You can even do it on a gas grille. Take a couple of lengths of aluminum foil, double it and roll some wood chips into a log inside the foil. Poke a few holes into the foil and place it under the grates on the rear burner. Take another sheet or two of the foil and place it on the grates, put the mackerel fillets skin side down and sprinkle with you favorite seasonings. I use a seafood seasoning and garlic salt. Cook with the rear burner on medium and the front two burners off. Sometimes I’ll turn the front two on about a minute or two before the fish are done. It doesn’t take long to cook about 20 to 30 minutes but watch them; you don’t want to dry them out too much. When done serve warm and eat away from the blood line. It’s as good as smoked mullet and if inclined it make some terrific smoked fish spread.

Mangrove snapper (gray snapper) have begun their typical summer push into inshore waters of Tampa Bay. Anglers are reporting good catches around any area with structure, rock piles, and area bridges such as the Sunshine Skyway and Gandy Bridge. The full moon should really heat up the action as fish prepare to spawn.

Offshore: The recreational harvest of gag grouper and red snapper from all Gulf of Mexico waters off Florida was from closed Feb. 1 through March 31. It might be interesting to see if this closure will help rebuild the population of this important species. It seems that closed seasons and bag limits seem to change monthly, so be certain to check the latest information at: myfwc.com/RulesandRegs/SaltwaterRules_index.htm

Typically the winds lie down in during the summer and making for calmer more pleasant offshore fishing. And with the water warming up in June the grouper and snapper fishery should be extremely active, around hard bottom or structure, from near shore waters out to about 100-160 feet. Either live bait or dead bait will do the trick but remember you must use circle hooks and have a Venting Tool and de-hooker. Team Marine USA still builds the worlds safest and most fish friendly venting tool. Check them out at: www.teammarineusa.us

The red snapper season opens in Federal and Florida waters June 1. The offshore snapper bite should be excellent. You can also expect good catches of mangrove snapper and structure and bait, are the key to catching these tasty fish.

There are plenty of artificial reefs and wrecks located just off the coast. You will find a list of them at: www.myfwc.com/docs/Conservation/REEFS.pdf#search=”reef”
There’s a good gag grouper, snapper, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, bonito and the occasional yellowtail located around these reefs. Anytime you’re fishing a hard bottom reef and doing any chumming keep you eyes open for a nice cobia and late season kingfish. Permit will usually show up on the near shore wrecks and will hit silver dollar size crabs.
For those adventurous blue-water types, there are plenty of summer marlin and Wahoo out near the Gulf Stream.

If you’re interested in booking a trip, please visit my website: CaptainWoodyGore.Com or call at: 813-477-3814. Fishing Florida for over 50 years, I offer professionally guided fishing and teaching charters around Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tarpon Springs. If you want to catch fish, have a memorable adventure or perhaps learning some new fishing tips give me a call. I specialize in group and multi-boat charters. Tell me what you need and leave the rest to me.

Expect good things to happen this month as the water continues to warm in the gulf, bays and backcountry. And if spring’s any indication, the fishing for the rest of the year should be awesome. Everything is eating and we’re catching plenty of fish. The redfish, snook and trout bite should continue with the big mackerel filling in the gaps. You also might get the opportunity to hook into a nice cobia on the flats. Snapper should be strong throughout the bay… so check the artificial reels.

You can expect the snook bite to continue particularly as the water gets warmer. Fishing tidal grass flat’s, passes, or cuts from upper Tampa Bay all the way to Sarasota will prove productive. When entering an area don’t stop on top of the fish, a few hundred feet away is plenty and fish your way in closer if needed. If you’re a live baiter, remember snook and scaled sardines are a perfect match. MirrOLure Top Dog lures also prove very productive and offer plenty of topwater excitement.

Spotted Sea Trout or Speckled Trout fishing continues to improve especially as the bait begins showing up on the flats. Look for lush grass flats with deep and shallow areas and plenty of sandy potholes. Try the DOA artificial shrimp under a popping cork… it works great.

Redfish are here and should begin settling in for the summer. Check your favorite oyster bars, cuts and broken bottom grass flats. The last of an outgoing tide should raise those black dotted flags as the fish begin to move out of the mangroves onto the shallow flats. Wading is often the best answer to a stealthy approach in shallow water but either way try to keep a low profile as you approach schooling reds. If the school gets spooked, just wait they usually will not move far and circle around especially if they’re feeding. Greenbacks and silver dollar size pinfish work well as live bait. Here’s a tip: If you’re using live bait and have some dead ones, cut them up and throw them around the boat. If Redfish are in the area the scent could bring them to within casting distance. Remember, a redfish can hear you change your mind… so being quite is the number one key to success.

Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing (813) 477-3817