Fishing the tides:

Understanding tides, knowing what causes them, and comprehending how they work can definitely affect your productivity. Moving water dramatically affects feeding patterns in fish and especially in areas with strong tidal flows.

The bite in Tampa Bay for example is practically non-existent on slack tides. However, let the water begin flowing and hang onto you rod and reel because the bites about to turn on. It’s actually fairly simply, the tides move, the tidal currents flow, the bait swims and the fish feed.

Snook (Snook Season Closed)

One more month and the season opens again on September 1, 2009. There are plenty of Snook lurking around piece of structure and open grass flat throughout Tampa Bay. Pick a good incoming high tide and check out you favorite grass line, broken bottom grass flat and the mangrove shorelines.

The best live bait is a greenback about 3.5 to 5 inches long and to get them means throwing that dreaded cast net. If you’re catching bait on the flats check bait size before you load up that net. If they are still small you might want to use a ¼ inch net instead of the 3/8 inch. No one likes a Christmas tree first thing in the morning. You don’t need to use greenbacks Snook also eat things like pinfish, shrimp, threadfins, grunts and artificial lures.

One of my “walk-the-dog” topwater favorites is a lure manufactured by High Roller Lure Company (www.highrollerlures.com). The 4.25″ High Roller™ is one of the most versatile topwater lures I’ve fished. Originally designed for Largemouth Bass in freshwater it’s characterized by its long casting ability and highly active back and forth jumping motion; I’ve found it deadly for a variety of elusive and exciting saltwater fish, specifically: Snook, Redfish, and Spotted Sea Trout. High Roller manufactures a variety of lures from stick baits to poppers and they all work equally well in saltwater applications.

Here’s a tip/secret for nighttime anglers looking for really large Snook. Use the large 7.5 inch RipRollers™ around bridges, structure and hang on. Originally, designed for Peacock Bass fishing this lure is a surefire big Snook lure. But don’t tell anybody else.

Redfish (No closed season, one fish per person per day, within the 18” to 27” slot limit)

We’re seeing some nice Redfish pushing into shallower water looking for food on incoming tides. Find a large school of mullet and you’ll normally find a few Redfish. Green backs, small pinfish, shrimp, and for those that like pitching soft plastics are excellent baits for a few Redfish.

Sea Trout (Season Open, four fish per person per day, within the 15” to 20” slot limit)

I’ve caught more big Trout this summer since before the last big Red Tide fiasco a few years ago when it seemed like they had disappeared for the bay. Well they’re back, and bigger than ever. Find a deepwater grass flat free-line a greenback or shrimp over some and its Trout for dinner. Paradise Poppers bobbers with a medium split-shot about 8” above a 2/0 circle hook and work the cork by popping it, letting it set a moment, then popping it again. Don’t be surprise if fishing deep water if you catch Mackerel, Bluefish, Ladyfish, Jacks, Sharks and of course Trout. Topwater popping plugs like High Roller’s ChugRoller™ is a great Trout lure or soft plastic jerkbaits over any deep broken bottom grass can offer artificial anglers some nice action.

Mackerel, Sharks, Cobia, and Tarpon

Big Mack’s are everywhere in Tampa Bay. You must fish a moving tide and they’re feeding on anything that swims. Hang a chum block over the side, rig up using 60 # Seaguar leader and long shank hooks, hook a large greenback or threadfin at the joint near the pectoral fin, cast it out and hang on. If you want a few sharks try cutting chunks of Threadfins or Greenbacks tossing them out in the current… the sharks will come. We’re catching some really big Mackerel with many measuring 30” and weighing 5 to 6 lbs. Remember, that big Snook secret? It works on big Mackerel and Sharks. Take a fairly calm day, toss out a few chum baits to get them working and work the HighRoller™ 7.5 or 6.5 inch RipRoller™ across the surface. There is nothing as exciting as having a 5 or six foot shark take it on the surface. (use 90 to 120 # Tyger Leader/wire leader and bend down the barbs).

Cobia: I’ve been seeing a few Cobias around the bay most are cruising markers and cans or following large rays or manatees around the flats. When Mackerel fishing with a chum block keep you eyes open as Cobia’s like to hang around you boat. If you net your bait keep a few smaller pinfish and use them for the Cobia.

Tarpon: Plenty of Tarpon at the Skyway, Egmont and on the beaches. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, or a crab should do the trick. Some are also showing up around the bridges at night. Don’t be surprised is you bait get eaten by a large shark as plenty of them also cruise the bridges during the evening hours.

HERE ARE SOME AREAS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED: You can read all the fishing reports available but remember… no one is going to give up that exact location. But if you have a good place to start the rest is easy to figure out.

North - Safety Harbor to Howard Franklin Bridge:

Safety Harbor tidal flats, Double Branch/Rocky Creek grass flats, Mangroves & Oyster shoreline from Big Island to St Petersburg/Clearwater airport, Both sides of the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading but watch for deep holes), Cypress grass flats on the eastern shore north of Howard Franklin Bridge to the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading but watch for deep holes), Rocky Point grass flats, rocks and oysters bars off the point (good wading but watch for deep holes.)

Central - South of Howard Franklin to St. Petersburg Pier:

The old Gandy Bridge has a fishing walk-way on both the Tampa and St. Petersburg side and offers some good fishing on moving water. There is a public boat ramp on the Tampa side of the Gandy Bridge. St. Petersburg fishing pier is an excellent place to cast a line and has its own bait shop. The west shoreline grass flats just north of Gandy Bridge (good wading-watch for deeper holes), Howard Franklin Artificial Reef, East shoreline grass flats (3-6 foot depth) north of Gandy Bridge to Howard Franklin, Picnic Island grass flats (watch for restricted zone signs at Mac Dill Air Force Base to the east), Weedon Island outside grass flats (2-3 foot depth between no motor signs and no wake signs) and outside no wake signs, Apollo Beach grass flats between Alafia River and Simmons Park, (Alafia River Williams Park and Simmons Park has a public boat ramps.)

South – South of St. Petersburg Fishing Pier past the Skyway Bridge:   

The old Skyway Bridge is now proclaimed as the world longest fishing pier with access from both the north and south end. You can drive your vehicle to where you want to fish, take advantage of the bait house for tackle and bait, and enjoy a day catching fish, Western shoreline grass flats south of St. Petersburg Pier to Pinellas Point, There is a public boat ramp located on Cockroach Bay Rd. use with caution because there are reports of vandalism and theft to vehicles. Eastern shoreline grass flats from Simmons Park to Joe Bay. Excellent grass flats from the (no wake signs) to the eastern shore including Little Manatee River, Little Cockroach Bay, Cockroach Bay, Piney Point, Port Manatee (new 500 yard restricted area around Manbirtee Key (Spoil Island), Bishops Harbor, and the outside grass flats of Joe Bay, Grass flats along the eastside of the Skyway Bridge Causeway, the grass flats along the west side of the Skyway Causeway to the gulf around Tarpon Key, Indian Key, Boca Ciega, Boca Ciega Bay, and Ft Desoto (some wading-watch for holes)

The Tampa Bay waters are full of fish and offer excellent Snook, Redfish and Trout action starting at the north end of the Bay down to the Skyway. Some North Tampa Bay hotspots are Safety Harbor, Mobly Bay, Rocky Point, Rocky Creek, and Double Branch. If you fish the north end the Courtney Campbell Causeway Ramp is a decent boat launch but has limited parking especially on weekends. Central bay areas include Picnic Island, Coffee Pot Bayou, Weedon Island, Fourth Street, Cypress Flats, and Culbreath Isle Flats and you can launch at either the Causeway or Salty Sol Boat ramp located on West Gandy Blvd on the Tampa side of the Gandy Bridge. Good producing locations on the southeast shore with boat ramps located at Williams Park and Simmons Park include the Alafia and Little Manatee River, Apollo Beach Flats, the Kitchen, Simmons Park, big and little Cockroach Bay, Piney Point, Bishops Harbor, and Joe Bay. On the St. Petersburg side check out Pinellas Point, The Skyway Fishing Pier, Tarpon Key, Indian Key, Tierra Verde/Fort Desoto and Boca Ciega Bay all the way into Bradenton and Sarasota.

Because the fishing pressure continues to climb throughout Florida and because it’s a wonderful pastime for friends and families it’s import that we protect the assets that give us pleasure. Many of us enjoy eating a good fish dinner so don’t hesitate to take enough for a meal. However, filling your freezer with fillets is not in the best interest of protecting our fish.

Unless properly frozen fish have a short shelf life usually 2 to 6 months depending on fat content and how it’s frozen. Otherwise it quickly becomes freezer burned destined only for the garbage. It doesn’t matter how good your freezer, nothing saves a piece of fish if the package’s air tight seal is lost. The omega-3 fats are highly unstable and when exposed to air oxidize quickly, leaving that recognizable, rancid, fishy, smell and taste. Whenever you take fish from your freezer and the seal appears broken, give it the smell test.

Remember, if it’s not in the freezer you have an excellent reason to go fishing, “like we really need one”.

Early mornings, light wind and a small ripple on the water are excellent times to fish topwater lures for Snook, Redfish and Trout. Like hundreds of anglers one of my favorite topwater’s is the MirrOlure and it’s made right here in Largo, Florida. As a company committed to offering the highest quality, they continually improve and manufacture state of the art lures which results in millions of fish caught in both fresh and saltwater. One of my favorites is the Top Dog series and a favorite of everyone the 7M. Always on the cutting edge they’ve recently created three additional fish catchers: the MirrOMullet Surface Walker, Suspending MirrODine, & MirrOMinnow, I have used these new lures with exceptional results on Snook, Redfish and Trout.

Use a “walk-the-dog” or twitch technique, across a grassy flat in 2 to 3 feet of water and hold on to your fishing rod. Snook strikes for example are usually so violent they frequently push the lure right out of the water, so wait until you feel the fish before setting the hook. Redfish on the other hand make a swirling strike and occasionally miss on the first attempt. If you’re “walking the dog” slow it down but never stop it. Countless times I’ve seen someone stop the lure only to see the Redfish turn away and lose interest. Conversely if you keep the lure moving the Red keeps striking. Again, wait until you feel the fish to set the hook.

Here’s a little something about hook setting. We’ve watched bass professionals wrench back on their rods to set the hook. Some reasons given for this type of hook set is quick reaction times result in good hookups, getting the stretch out their monofilament line and forcing the hook point (usually rigged weedless by embedding it into the soft plastic lure) out of the plastic lure and into the fish.

Today with many anglers switching to braided line and open J-hooks aggressive, haul back and set the hook techniques are unnecessary. Because braid has little or no stretch and no memory just getting the slack out of the line forces the hook set. With braided line like when you see or feel a strike quickly lift the rod to remove any slack line and reel the hook does the rest. “Slack Line is Not Your Friend” and I’ve seen thousands of anglers miss a strike because of it.

One final point on hook setting involves circle hooks that have been around for centuries. Over the last 10 to 20 years and with a move toward environmentally friendly fishing “Circle Hooks” increased in popularity with recreational anglers. They’ve proved to be the most fool proof way of hooking fish that produces the least damage. Hook sets normally occur in the outside edge of the mouth and seldom if ever throat or gut-hooks a fish. Circle hooks are automatic, just lift your rod, take up any slack line, (which should not be there) and it’s a hookup. Try to set the hook yourself by pulling before you feel the fish and guess what? The fish wins.  

Snook: (Season Opens March 1^st – April 30^th). Unless we have an extended winter season keeping the water temperatures down the Snook should be out and about looking for food. As the water temperatures rise they move into summertime patterns. Greenbacks will begin showing up again and live bait anglers will be getting out that dreaded cast net. Look for Snook to pattern along outside edges and points along mangrove islands and shorelines especially where tidal flows move bait. Our miles of grass flats with sandy potholes also offer excellent ambush locations. Live bait, suspending lures, topwater’s and soft plastics always produce.

Redfish: There’s nothing more exciting to a Redfish angler than easing onto a shallow grass flat and seeing fish tails waving in the air. Identify which direction they are feeding and approach quietly. Natures provided Redfish with exceptional eyesight and hearing and can almost hear you change your mind. With quit and low profile mandatory serious anglers often slip over the side wading to within casting distance. With perfectly placed cast try picking off the outside fish never casting directly into the school.

In every report I write about mullet schools and it bears repeating when locating feeding Redfish. Redfish follow schooling mullet eating the baits they stir up so, fishing these mullet schools usually produces. Live bait, suspending lures, top water and soft plastics always yield good Redfish catches. While some anglers use the dead stick method with cut ladyfish, mullet or chunks of crab.

Spotted Sea Trout: March will continue producing good catches on incoming or outgoing tides. I cannot emphasize the excitement of using topwater lures on calm early morning flats. Trout love the MirrOlure’s 7M series, 5M series, Top Dog and new MirrOMullet. Twitch or “walk-the-dog” and pause the lure momentarily after each series. The anticipation is un-nerving.

For die-hard live baits users, live shrimp, greenbacks, or pinf ish under a Paradise Popper from Old Bayside, find a good broken bottom grass flat and you’ll catch trout. Its four fish per person, per day, with a slot limit of 15 to 20 inches. You can have one fish over 20 in the southern region. On moving tides check the flats around Weedon Island, 4th Street, Culbreath Bayou, Cockroach Bay, Bishops Harbor, Simmons Park, Joe Island also Ft. Desoto, Tarpon Key, Indian Key, Boca Ciega Bay, and Pinellas Point flats are good bets.

Cobia, Mackerel, Sharks: As the bait shows up these should follow. Check markers and cans holding bait and be ready to toss something in the path of a circling Cobia. Not picky about food Cobia will readily take large shrimp, small crabs and pin fish or toss them an artificial jerk bait or plastic eel. Mackerel with eat greenbacks, threadfins, silver spoons and Gotca lures.

Well folks it’s definitely here… summer time heat and warm water fishing. This year fishing in Tampa Bay’s been awesome. But remember July brings hot humid days and very warm water. Not only can it be challenging to find fish willing to eat but this hot weather’s equally hard on anglers venturing out during the heat of the day. Early mornings, late afternoons and nighttime trips can make this month more bearable. We can expect water temperatures to climb into the high eighties and low nineties especially on shallow water flats and backcountry. Fish everywhere will be looking for relief so plan your fishing trips toward areas offering some cool water reprieves. Deeper cuts and troughs around the grass flats, islands, shade around the mangrove shores, passes, creeks and deeper holes throughout the bay.

Let’s Go Fishing in Tampa Bay:

Tampa Bay offers excellent angling for over 200 species of fish. Tampa Bay starts at the extreme north end all the way down to the Skyway Bridge. Pick a good day with a respectable incoming or outgoing tide and catch fish. Many places are fishable from land for shore anglers or accessible to those who like to wade. For those with boats or Kayaks there are many public and private boat ramps located throughout the bay area.

Snook (Snook Season Closed)

It’s seems like the Snook are everywhere throughout the bay. Pick a likely spot, hookup a medium sized greenie; toss it toward a mangrove line and its fish on. Good reports are coming in from the north end down past the Skyway. Weedon Island is a favorite spot for many anglers and gets plenty of pressure from Snook anglers. If you’re tired of the same old scenery venture away from you favorite spots and find new areas.

If Snook is all you want to catch there are plenty around but when you catch one take a look at its mouth and you’ll see why I’m suggesting targeting something different. Their mouths are in terrible shape from being hooked and released. So, you might want to think about giving them a rest during the closed season and try one of the other 200 plus species throughout Tampa Bay.

Redfish (No closed season, one fish per person per day, within the 18” to 27” slot limit)

Redfish are popping up all over the bay and pushing into shallower water as the tide climbs. There is no shortage of large mullet schools and Redfish aren’t far behind. Green backs, small pinfish, shrimp and for those that like pitching soft plastics and topwater’s around the mangroves you can expect some great action on high in coming tides. If you’re lucky to find a school moving around a shoreline, setup and wait they will move back and forth when feeding. Chasing them only causes them to scatter.

Sea Trout (Season Open, four fish per person per day, within the 15” to 20” slot limit)

Free-line a greenback or shrimp over some deep grass flats and its Trout for dinner. You might try suspending a shrimp under Paradise Popper with a medium split-shot about 8” about a 2/0 circle hook and work the cork by popping it, letting it set a moment, then popping it again if there are fish in the area it won’t take long before you hooked up. Topwater popping plugs or soft plastic jerkbaits over any broken bottom grass flat can offer artificial anglers some nice action.

Mackerel, Sharks, Cobia, and Tarpon

I can’t say enough about the big Mackerel showing up all over the bay. They’re all over the bay feeding on Anchovies, and Threadfins. Hang a chum block over the side through out some cut chunks of Threadfins or Greenbacks and get ready. I’m getting reports of big fish ranging in the four to seven pound range caught using a long shank 2/0 hooks and fifty pound Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader. Cobia: I’ve been seeing a few Cobias around the bay most are cruising markers or following large rays or manatees around the flats. When Mackerel fishing with a chum block keep you eyes open as Cobia’s like to hang around you boat. If you net your bait keep a few smaller pinfish and use them for the Cobia. Tarpon: Plenty of Tarpon at the Skyway and on the beaches. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, or a crab should do the trick. If you’re casting to them use a rod and reel combo that allow for a longer distance cast.

Here are some areas to help you get started: You can read all the fishing reports available but remember… no one is going to give up that exact location. But if you have a good place to start the rest is easy to figure out.

North - Safety Harbor to Howard Franklin Bridge:

Safety Harbor tidal flats, Double Branch/Rocky Creek grass flats, Mangroves & Oyster shoreline from Big Island to St Petersburg/Clearwater airport, Both sides of the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading but watch for deep holes), Cypress grass flats on the eastern shore north of Howard Franklin Bridge to the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading but watch for deep holes), Rocky Point grass flats, rocks and oysters bars off the point (good wading but watch for deep holes.)

Central - South of Howard Franklin to St. Petersburg Pier:

The old Gandy Bridge has a fishing walk-way on both the Tampa and St. Petersburg side and offers some good fishing on moving water. There is a public boat ramp on the Tampa side of the Gandy Bridge. St. Petersburg fishing pier is an excellent place to cast a line and has its own bait shop. The west shoreline grass flats just north of Gandy Bridge (good wading-watch for deeper holes), Howard Franklin Artificial Reef, East shoreline grass flats (3-6 foot depth) north of Gandy Bridge to Howard Franklin, Picnic Island grass flats (watch for restricted zone signs at Mac Dill Air Force Base to the east), Weedon Island outside grass flats (2-3 foot depth between no motor signs and no wake signs) and outside no wake signs, Apollo Beach grass flats between Alafia River and Simmons Park, (Alafia River Williams Park and Simmons Park has a public boat ramps.)

South – South of St. Petersburg Fishing Pier past the Skyway Bridge:   

The old Skyway Bridge is now proclaimed as the world longest fishing pier with access from both the north and south end. You can drive your vehicle to where you want to fish, take advantage of the bait house for tackle and bait, and enjoy a day catching fish, Western shoreline grass flats south of St. Petersburg Pier to Pinellas Point, There is a public boat ramp located on Cockroach Bay Rd. use with caution because there are reports of vandalism and theft to vehicles. Eastern shoreline grass flats from Simmons Park to Joe Bay. Excellent grass flats from the (no wake signs) to the eastern shore including Little Manatee River, Little Cockroach Bay, Cockroach Bay, Piney Point, Port Manatee (new 500 yard restricted area around Manbirtee Key (Spoil Island), Bishops Harbor, and the outside grass flats of Joe Bay, Grass flats along the eastside of the Skyway Bridge Causeway, the grass flats along the west side of the Skyway Causeway to the gulf around Tarpon Key, Indian Key, Boca Ciega, Boca Ciega Bay, and Ft Desoto (some wading-watch for holes)

Let’s Go Fishing in Tampa Bay:
Tampa Bay offers excellent angling for over 200 species of fish. Tampa Bay starts at the extreme north end all the way down to the Skyway Bridge. Pick a good day with a respectable incoming or outgoing tide and catch fish. Many places are fishable from land for shore anglers or accessible to those who like to wade. For those with boats or Kayaks there are many public and private boat ramps located throughout the bay area.

Here are some areas to help you get started: You can read all the fishing reports available but remember… no one is going to give up that exact location. But if you have a good place to start the rest is easy to figure out.

North - Safety Harbor to Howard Franklin Bridge:
Safety Harbor tidal flats, Double Branch/Rocky Creek grass flats, Mangroves & Oyster shoreline from Big Island to St Petersburg/Clearwater airport, Both sides of the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading but watch for deep holes), Cypress grass flats on the eastern shore north of Howard Franklin Bridge to the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading but watch for deep holes), Rocky Point grass flats, rocks and oysters bars off the point (good wading but watch for deep holes.)

Central - South of Howard Franklin to St. Petersburg Pier:
The old Gandy Bridge has a fishing walk-way on both the Tampa and St. Petersburg side and offers some good fishing on moving water, There is a public boat ramp on the Tampa side of the Gandy Bridge, St. Petersburg fishing pier also offers a variety of fishing, the west shoreline grass flats just north of Gandy Bridge (good wading-watch for deeper holes), Howard Franklin Artificial Reef, East shoreline grass flats (3-6 foot depth) north of Gandy Bridge to Howard Franklin, Picnic Island grass flats (watch for restricted zone signs at Mac Dill Air Force Base to the east), Weedon Island outside grass flats (2-3 foot depth between no motor signs and no wake signs) and outside no wake signs, Apollo Beach grass flats between Alafia River and Simmons Park, (Alafia River Williams Park and Simmons Park has a public boat ramps.)

South – South of St. Petersburg Fishing Pier past the Skyway Bridge:
The old Skyway Bridge is now proclaimed as the world longest fishing pier with access from both the north and south end. You can drive your vehicle to where you want to fish, take advantage of the bait house for tackle and bait, and enjoy a day catching fish, Western shoreline grass flats south of St. Petersburg Pier to Pinellas Point, There is a public boat ramp located on Cockroach Bay Rd. use with caution because there are reports of vandalism and theft to vehicles. Eastern shoreline grass flats from Simmons Park to Joe Bay. Excellent grass flats from the (no wake signs) to the eastern shore including Little Manatee River, Little Cockroach Bay, Cockroach Bay, Piney Point, Port Manatee (new 500 yard restricted area around Manbirtee Key (Spoil Island), Bishops Harbor, and the outside grass flats of Joe Bay, Grass flats along the eastside of the Skyway Bridge Causeway, the grass flats along the west side of the Skyway Causeway to the gulf around Tarpon Key, Indian Key, Boca Ciega, Boca Ciega Bay, and Ft Desoto (some wading-watch for holes)

Snook (It’s Over till September 1, 2008 – Put Them Back Safely)
The Tampa Bay Snook bite’s been excellent around the mangroves on high water and on the grass flats early AM. Greenbacks, Shrimp, Pinfish and artificial lures are working especially the topwater’s early in the AM.

Redfish (No closed season, one fish per person per day, within the 18” to 27” slot limit)
Redfish are popping up all over the bay and pushing into shallower water as the tide climbs. There is no shortage of large mullet schools and Redfish aren’t far behind. Green backs, small pinfish, shrimp and for those that like pitching soft plastics and topwater’s around the mangroves you can expect some great action on high in coming tides. If you’re lucky to find a school moving around a shoreline, setup and wait they will move back and forth when feeding. Chasing them only causes them to scatter.

Spotted Sea Trout
Some good catches on incoming or outgoing tides around deep water flats in two to six feet range are producing fish to 22 inches. As always live free-lined greenback or shrimp are the best baits for Trout. Or suspend either under Paradise Popper cork with a medium split-shot about 8” about a 2/0 circle hook then find any good grass flat and catch all the trout you want this month. Using topwater popping plugs or soft plastic jerkbaits and fishing broken bottom grass flats especially the grassy potholes can offer artificial anglers some nice action.

Mackerel, Sharks, Cobia, Kings and Tarpon
Mackerel are showing up all over the bay find a school of Threadfins, start chumming and hold on. I’ve been catching them up to 6 and 7 lbs. using long shank 2/0 hooks and fifty pound Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader. Try a popping cork and split shot like you would for Trout. It works well when the Threadfins are really thick. Cobia: I’ve been seeing a few Cobias around the bay most are cruising markers or following large rays or manatees around the flats. Tarpon are at the Skyway. Grab a few Threadfins for large Greenbacks a slow in or out tide anchor and chum by cutting some bait into pieces. Kingfish: Kings are still running the beach between five and seven miles offshore. Hard bottom bait schools, chum bags and slow trolling does the trick.

“GIVE ME A CALL & LET”S GO FISHING” Capt. Woody Gore’s been fishing in Florida for over 50 years and offers guided fishing charters in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Clearwater, and Tarpon Springs. For more information or to book a trip: Call or email a reservation request form from my website: Cell: 813-477-3814 <> Office: 813-982-2034

Email: wgore@ix.netcom.com Website: www.captainwoodygore.com

Greenbacks – Whitebait – Scaled Sardines

Probably the number one live bait used in the bay area is a scaled sardine. Almost every saltwater fish loves a nice sardine free-lined or under a cork. Anglers call them greenbacks, whitebait, or sardines but there all the same and should not be confused with the Threadfin Herring also found in the bay.

To begin we need to know what greenbacks are. The proper name is Scaled Sardine and the scientific name is Harengula Jaguana. They are a fast growing, short-lived fish that complete their life span in a little more than one year and are common in both off-shore and near-shore waters along both Florida coasts. When looking for them in early spring and summer your best bet is structure, bridges and buoys, and most of Tampa Bays grass flats. On calm mornings you can see them tinkling like raindrops on the surface with an occasional flip out of the water. Once you’ve seen it, it will become more recognizable in the future.

A question often asked is what is the difference between a greenback and a threadfin? When you look at them side-by-side it is not hard to distinguish one from the other. The 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 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.

Now that we understand what they are… how do you catch them? Some anglers use a Sabiki Rig on a rod and reel. This method works but it’s time consuming and limits the amount of bait you’ll have. Others have learned to throw a cast net allowing them get several hundred in a single throw. Cast nets are not difficult to throw but you will need some instruction and a little practice. I would suggest having two mesh sizes 1/4 and 3/8 inch and nothing less than 8 foot or more than 10 as they are easier to throw than shorter nets. A good net will cost you somewhere around $100 to $250. I’ve thrown cast nets for many years and believe me when I tell you… a well made net is much easier to throw and last longer than the bargain discounts. One last point about a cast net is proper care which is vital to maintaining its casting and opening ability. So, when you’re cleaning the boat and tackle be sure to wash your net with fresh water and store it away from direct sunlight.

If you’re planning on netting your bait what do you use to attract them? Chum is the answer. Asks ten live bait anglers what they use and you’ll never get the same answer. Anglers are always inventing their own special formulas which often requires some pretty fancy mixing and a variety of ingredients. Some include sand, oatmeal, rice, macaroni, dog food, cat food, fish oil, anise, soybeans, grits, cornmeal, bread… the list is endless. Probably the number one ingredient for any chum is oil. Not any oil, but the stomach-turning stinky kind called Menhaden fish oil. Without a doubt this is the most awful stuff you will ever put your hands in and if you get it on your clothing, it never comes out.

Here is a simple three ingredient sure-fire mixture many have used for years and it works every time. It is a combination of fish food, canned Jack Mackerel and menhaden fish oil. Empty two cans of jack mackerel into a two-gallon bucket mixing and breaking it into very small pieces, add four to five cups of fish food and two to three cups of Menhaden fish oil and mix everything thoroughly. Now you are ready to go get greenbacks.

Many feed stores carry fish food and your local tackle shop should have Menhaden oil and Jack Mackerel. Your local grocer also carries Jack Mackerel. This mixture tends to appeal to greenbacks and not threadfins and you’ll recognize the difference, as the greenbacks will be eating mixture and threadfins swimming through it. This mixture also attracts pinfish and that pesky old catfish. Safety point here is always use caution when removing catfish from your net. They have sharp, barbed slime covered fins that can quickly penetrate a finger or hand. If you are wounded, make certain to treat it immediately with a good disinfectant and watch it for infection. If it becomes infected seek medical attention immediately “do not wait” it will only get worse.

Go get your bait. Position yourself near that tinkling water and begin tossing small amounts of chum in that direction. The mixture should disperse thoroughly, sink slowly and create a fine oil slick on the water which attracts bait into the chummed area. When they are bunched up be ready and throw your net.

Many of our local tackle retailers carry cast nets, fish food, Jack Mackerel and Menhaden Oil and just about anything 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; visit your local tackle dealer soon.

Let’s Go Fishing in Tampa Bay:
It’s not hard to find good fishing in the bay. There are over 200 species of fish in Tampa Bay which starts at the extreme north end down to past the Skyway Bridge. Just fish a respectable incoming or outgoing tide and catch fish. Many places are fishable from land for shore anglers or accessible to those who like to wade. For those with boats or Kayaks there are many public and private boat ramps.

Here are some good starting points:
North - Safety Harbor to Howard Franklin Bridge:
Safety Harbor tidal flats, Double Branch/Rocky Creek grass flats, Mangroves & Oyster shoreline from Big Island to St Petersburg/Clearwater airport, Both sides of the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading but watch for deep holes), Cypress grass flats on the eastern shore north of Howard Franklin Bridge to the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading but watch for deep holes), Rocky Point grass flats, rocks and oysters bars off the point (good wading but watch for deep holes.)

Central - South of Howard Franklin to St. Petersburg Pier:
The old Gandy Bridge has a fishing walk-way on both the Tampa and St. Petersburg side and offers some good fishing on moving water, There is a public boat ramp on the Tampa side of the Gandy Bridge, St. Petersburg fishing pier also offers a variety of fishing, the west shoreline grass flats just north of Gandy Bridge (good wading-watch for deeper holes), Howard Franklin Artificial Reef, East shoreline grass flats (3-6 foot depth) north of Gandy Bridge to Howard Franklin, Picnic Island grass flats (watch for restricted zone signs at Mac Dill Air Force Base to the east), Weedon Island outside grass flats (2-3 foot depth between no motor signs and no wake signs) and outside no wake signs, Apollo Beach grass flats between Alafia River and Simmons Park, (Alafia River Williams Park and Simmons Park has a public boat ramps.)

South – South of St. Petersburg Fishing Pier past the Skyway Bridge:
The old Skyway Bridge is now proclaimed as the world longest fishing pier with access from both the north and south end. You can drive your vehicle to where you want to fish, take advantage of the bait house for tackle and bait, and enjoy a day catching fish, Western shoreline grass flats south of St. Petersburg Pier to Pinellas Point, There is a public boat ramp located on Cockroach Bay Rd. use with caution because there are reports of vandalism and theft to vehicles. Eastern shoreline grass flats from Simmons Park to Joe Bay. Excellent grass flats from the (no wake signs) to the eastern shore including Little Manatee River, Little Cockroach Bay, Cockroach Bay, Piney Point, Port Manatee (new 500 yard restricted area around Manbirtee Key (Spoil Island), Bishops Harbor, and the outside grass flats of Joe Bay, Grass flats along the eastside of the Skyway Bridge Causeway, the grass flats along the west side of the Skyway Causeway to the gulf around Tarpon Key, Indian Key, Boca Ciega, Boca Ciega Bay, and Ft Desoto (some wading-watch for holes)

Snook (Season’s Open until May 1^st)
The Tampa Bay Snook bite’s been excellent. Greenbacks, Shrimp, Pinfish and artificial lures are working especially the topwater’s early in the AM. The closed season starts on May 1^st and then it’s Catch and Release until September first.

Redfish (No closed season, one fish per person per day, within the 18” to 27” slot limit)
Redfish are popping up all over the bay and pushing into shallower water as the tide climbs. As always large schools of mullet are good places to find redfish. They are either inside the school or behind it. Green backs, small pinfish, shrimp and for those that like pitching soft plastics and topwater’s around the mangroves you can expect some great action on high in coming tides.

Spotted Sea Trout
Some good catches on incoming or outgoing tides around deep water flats are producing fish to 22 inches. As always live free-lined greenback or shrimp are the best baits for Trout. Or suspend either under Paradise Popper cork with a medium split-shot about 8” about a 2/0 circle hook then find any good grass flat and catch all the trout you want this month. Using topwater popping plugs or soft plastic jerkbaits and fishing broken bottom grass flats especially the grassy potholes can offer artificial anglers some nice action.

Mackerel, Sharks, Cobia, Kings and Tarpon
Mackerel are showing up around the bay and will only get better as the water warms and the Threadfins begin schooling. I’ve been seeing a few Cobias around the bay most are cruising markers or following large rays or manatees. Tarpon are showing up at the Skyway.

“GIVE ME A CALL & LET”S GO FISHING” Capt. Woody Gore’s been fishing in Florida for over 50 years and offers guided fishing charters in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Clearwater, and Tarpon Springs. Please contact me for more information or to book a trip call or email from my website:

Cell: 813-477-3814 <> Office: 813-982-2034 <> Email: wgore@ix.netcom.com
Website: www.captainwoodygore.com

Spring is here…so dig out those rods and reels and get the boat checked out it’s time for another great summer of fishing on Tampa Bay.  Do it now… then when you’re ready to go fishing you will be ahead of the game.

The sunshine state is an excellent place to live especially in the winter! Speaking with others visiting from up north, I get a chill when told about the temperatures in their home towns. It seems like our winters are getting milder and once again, we’ve had a placid winter season with only a few days in the low thirties. Throughout the wintertime fishing been good and will continue to pick up as our water temperatures return to normal, the bait shows up on the flats and the winds begin subsiding.

Fishing the bay for over fifty years I continually marvel at the excellent opportunities the area offers anglers from all walks of life. You’ll find many people fishing from the shore bridges, or piers while others might wade, or fish from boats, kayaks, or canoes. And you’ll find them just about anywhere there is accessible water. Fishing… what 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 while marveling at the creations natures afforded us. Sometime catching fish is not important… being on the water observing the balance of nature is all that’s required to release the burdens of everyday life. So, when things begin building to a stress level one notch below inner combustion. Step back, grab your fishing gear, and spend some time relaxing with nature.

Greenbacks are at the Skyway, some markers and beginning to show up on the flats. Keep your eyes open as many species begin showing up in April. Everything should be here by April, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, Mackerel.

Where to Start:

It’s not hard to find a good bite since there are over 200 species of fish all over Tampa Bay starting at the extreme north end down to past the Skyway Bridge. Just fish a respectable incoming or outgoing tide and catch fish. Many places are accessible from land for shore anglers or waders others have boat access from public launches. Here are some good starting points:

North - Howard Franklin Bridge to Safety Harbor:

>   Safety Harbor tidal flats

>  Double Branch/Rocky Creek grass flats

>     Mangroves & Oyster shoreline from Big Island to St Petersburg/Clearwater airport

>    Both sides of the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading-watch for deeper holes)

>      Cypress grass flats on the eastern shore north of Howard Franklin Bridge to the Courtney Campbell Causeway (good wading-watch for deeper holes).

>      Rocky Point grass flats off the point ((good wading-watch for deeper holes, rocks and oysters bars)

Central - South of Howard Franklin to St. Petersburg Pier:

>      The old Gandy Bridge has a fishing walk-way on both the Tampa and St. Petersburg side and offers some good fishing on moving water.

>      The St. Petersburg fishing pier also offers a variety of fishing.

>      The west shoreline grass flats just north of Gandy Bridge (good wading-watch for deeper holes)

>   Howard Franklin Artificial Reef, East shoreline grass flats (3-6 foot depth) north of Gandy Bridge to Howard Franklin

>    Picnic Island grass flats (good wading-watch for deeper holes) (watch for restricted zone signs at Mac Dill Air Force Base)

>      Weedon Island outside grass flats (2-3 foot depth between no motor signs and no wake signs) and outside no wake signs

>      Apollo Beach grass flats between Alafia River and Simmons Park

South – South of St. Petersburg Fishing Pier past the Skyway Bridge:   

>  The old Skyway Bridge is now proclaimed as the world longest fishing pier with access from both the north and south end. You can drive you vehicle to where you want to fish, take advantage of the bait house for tackle or bait, and enjoy a day catching fish.

>    Western shoreline grass flats south of St. Petersburg Pier to Pinellas Point.

>    Eastern shoreline grass flats from Simmons Park to Joe Bay. Excellent grass flats from the (no wake signs) to the eastern shore including Little Manatee River, Little Cockroach Bay, Cockroach Bay, Piney Point

>  Port Manatee (new 500 yard restricted area around Manbirtee Key (Spoil Island), Bishops Harbor, and the outside grass flats of Joe Bay.

>     Grass flats along the east side of the Skyway Bridge Causeway

>      The grass flats along the west side of the Skyway Causeway to the gulf around Tarpon Key, Indian Key, Boca Ciega, Boca Ciega Bay, and Ft Desoto (some wading-watch for holes

Snook (Season’s Open until May 1^st)
The magic number for water temperatures seems to be high sixty’s and up and look for them around deep passes early then spreading out into shallower water as the day continues to warm. Live baits always work for Snook but so do artificial lures. Try a MirrOlure MirrODine, Top Dog Jr. and the 7M nad

Redfish (No closed season, one fish per person per day, within the 18” to 27” slot limit)
Like snook the Redfish should become easier to catch as the temperatures climb into the 70’s. They’ll cruise the outer flats on the deeper edges then traveling into the mangroves as the tide gets higher. As I say each month, large schools of mullet are good places to find redfish mixed in together. Try keeping the baits within casting distance, to draw the fish to you. Remember not too much if you over feed them they’ll stopping eating if they get full. Expect some good excitement when pitching soft plastics around the mangroves on high in coming tides or low water outside flats.

Spotted Sea Trout
April produces some good catches on incoming or outgoing tides, using topwater popping plugs on an early morning grass flat. Pop the lure several times let it rest until the rings are gone and do it again. If there are Trout in the area they’ll strike. When fishing topwater lures do not set the hook until you feel the fish.

As always live shrimp are the best bait for Trout. Suspend one under Paradise Popper cork with a medium split-shot about 8” about a 2/0 circle hook then find any good grass flat and catch all the trout you want this month. Remember, small pinfish under a popping cork like the Paradise Popper is an all time trout favorite.

If the winds blowing try using a Wind Tamer Drift Sock to slow down your drift. Everyone wants to catch big trout but remember these large fish lay the most eggs so fish responsibly, try putting the big ones back, besides the smaller ones eat better.

Mackerel, Sharks, Cobia, Kings and Tarpon
With the onset of Threadfins come the Mackerel, Sharks, Cobia, Kings and Tarpon. Cobia will cruise markers holding bait. Mackerel will be all over the bay feeding on bait schools and large kings and sharks will be feeding on the mackerel. Tarpon will show up on the beaches and Skyway first.

“GIVE ME A CALL & LET”S GO FISHING” Capt. Woody Gore’s been fishing in Florida for over 50 years and offers guided fishing charters in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Clearwater, and Tarpon Springs. Please contact me for more information or to book a trip call or email from my website:
Cell: 813-477-3814 <> Office: 813-982-2034 <> Email: wgore@ix.netcom.com
Website:  www.captainwoodygore.com

Tampa Bay’s Fishing Report January 2008

January finally brought a few cold weather days at least enough to kill my plants and hopefully push some of the larger Sea Trout inshore. Trout are now legal as of January first in the southern region. However the season closes in February in the northeast and northwest. For anglers normally fishing the northwest region your daily catch is five Sea Trout. However if you’re looking for nice trout dinner during February and fishing the southern region remember you’re limited to only four trout and they must be landed in the southern zone. So, don’t launch at Anclote, catch your trout in the sound and return to Anclote you’ll be in illegal possession of Sea Trout and subject to a fine if caught. It’s confusing, but it’s the law.

For the most part it seemed like spring all month long. The fish can’t decide whether to make the run for the rivers and creeks or stay on the flats. Well maybe this month we’ll get some colder temps. Now don’t get me wrong I like these warmer winters. Like most crackers born in Florida, when the temps drop below seventy degrees I start digging out the winter duds.

The fishing overall has been good in the bay area plenty of snook, reds, trout, and Sheepshead. The cobia bite been slower without the colder water temps needed send them looking for warm water. But plenty of small black tips are around the Big Bend Power Plant and readily take shrimp offered on a jig. These guys are loads of fun and eat pretty well provided you bleed, eviscerate and quickly put them on ice until you can clean them. The grouper bites been fairly well, inside the bay. I’ve had the most success trolling various rock piles and structure in and around the 20 to 25 foot range. So many folks think the only place to catch inshore gags is the shipping channels. Well guess again. Plenty of structure around if you’ll only take time to look for it on your bottom machine. Try this, when you catch a gag, mark the location and go back to see what kind of bottom you came over. Often a pinfish, grunt, sardine or piece of squid dropped down on a knocker rig at the same location will produce other nice fish. Finding new locations is time consuming and you can believe no ones giving you a free ride with their numbers.

Snook (Closed Season December 15 through January 31 and May, June, July, August)
Snook fishing is one of those on then off again things in the cooler months. If you can get live baits the bite is not bad. Greenbacks reported at the skyway but use a ¼ inch net because the small threadfins are also there. If the temps begin dropping as always look for deep water canals, rivers, creeks with deep muddy-bottoms. I’ve had some action on warmer sunny days using artificial lures like the Old Bayside Shadlyn and Shrimp. 

Redfish
With February comes some of the best site fishing because the algae, starts dying and the water, clears up. The low tides and clear water make seeing redfish a dream. As always we’re catching reds in with the mullet schools using both live bait and artificial lures. No really good schools but plenty of singles around. Again mullet are the key to finding reds they really like staying with those mullet, so keep you eyes open. You’ll find reds around the flats near Weedon, Double Branch, Simmons Park, Ft. Desoto and Joe’s Island. Expect some good excitement when pitching soft plastics around the mangroves on high in coming tides or low tide flats.

Spotted Sea Trout (Check the regulations for the zone you’re fishing)
February will continue producing some good bites on incoming or outgoing tides, topwater action on a calm early morning flat can be great but live shrimp, artificial shrimp, Old BaySide Paradise Popper corks and any good grass flat will produce all the nice trout you want this month. The trout bites also been first-rate around the Pinellas Point and Ft. Desoto flats. Also check the flats around Weedon Island, 4^th Street, Culbreath Bayou and Cypress Street in the north, and Simons Park, Joes Island, Tarpon Key for good trout action in the south. The Old Bayside Shrimp, Skeleton Shad and Shadlyn are producing good catches of trout everywhere but especially in the Clearwater area. I’ve run several trips there this past month with catches of 40 to 50 fish per trip. The bites so good we bend the barbs down and use Shakespeare’s X-Tool Dehooker  to release most fish.

Cobia
The cooler temps didn’t happen as expected so the cobia bites been poor around the power plants.
Other

Sheep head should continue around bridges, oyster bars and deep water docks. Try using barnacles, green mussels, shrimp or oysters. Scrape the pilings to get them going. Grouper in the bay are doing well and should continue. If trolling, watch your bottom machine and troll areas other than the channels. There are plenty of rock piles and ledges in the bay and sometimes they’re easier to fish than the channels.

GIVE ME A CALL & LET’S GO FISHING - If you’re interested in fishing or learning to fish…Captain Woody’s been guiding and fishing Florida waters for over 50 year’s providing single boat charters for up to 4 anglers or multiple boats for large group events. And the results are always the same “Memorable Fishing Adventures with Tampa’s Top Guide”.

 For more information or to book a trip, visit his website at WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM.

You can also reach me on my cell at 813-477-3814, in my office at: 813-982-2034, or send an email to WGORE@IX.NETCOM.COM

Tampa Bay’s Fishing Report February 2008

The good news all you southern region trout anglers… the season opened on January 1^st and some cooler weather should mean plenty of fish. However, if you fish the northwest region… trout season is closed the entire month of February.

This year many anglers seemingly are taking a different position regarding Sea Trout by releasing more than they keep. Once a plentiful and seemingly endless resource, trout suffered severely during the bouts with red tide. And if we get it again it could definitely put a crimp in our slow to recover trout populations. Speaking with anglers throughout 2007 I’ve learned more are electing to release rather and fillet. However, just tossing them back in the water doesn’t mean they’ll survive. We must release them quickly, in or near the water and never use a landing net, dry hands or rags. If a photo is required do it quickly by gently. Try using one of the non-evasive bottom-lip gripping devices while holding them fish horizontally. Keep in mind they cannot breathe out of water so if you’ve ever wonder how long you should keep them out for a photo… try holding your breath until returning them to the water.

Delicious table fare and if you want some a fish or two for dinner… that’s ok… but only keep enough for a single meal. Never plan on filling the freezer with fillets that become freezer burned and thrown away after a few weeks. There’s nothing better than fresh caught fish and it gives you another excuse to go fishing…“Like we really need one”.

Trout are voracious eaters and can quickly swallow your bait causing the hook to lodge in their throat. Once this occurs even the best attempts at releasing them unharmed seems futile. So whenever trout fishing especially with live bait and even artificial’s it’s important to bend the barb down on your hooks, use a light-wire circle, (I prefer “Daiichi Bleeding Bait Circle’s”), and be quicker on your hook-set which prevents deep throat hooks. A quick hook-set does not mean a hard set… when you feel the bite, lift your rod and reel at the same time, to get your line tight, keep the rod bent preventing the barb-less hook from dislodging, and reel.

Grass flats, sandy potholes, incoming or outgoing tides live baits or artificial lures and it’s game on. Try fishing the two to three foot of water in front of Bishops Harbor, Cockroach Bay, Apollo Beach, Weedon Island, Culbreath Isles, Pinellas Point, Tarpon Key, Ft. Desoto, Boca Ciega Bay Clearwater, or Anclote Key.

Basically, you can find Snook, Redfish and Trout are found all over Tampa Bay from the southeast shore including the Alafia River, Picnic Island, Simmons Park, Bishop Harbor, Joe Island down into Bradenton and Sarasota. There is excellent fishing around Weedon Island, Fourth Street, Cypress Flats, Rocky Point, Double Branch, and Culbreath Isle Flats.

Snook: Closed December 1st through the last day of February. As long as the water temperatures don’t fall too rapidly you should be able to target a few Snook, in and around residential canals, rivers, and deep-water creeks.

Redfish: Redfish are continuing feed and should continue right through the colder months. You’ll find on shallow-water flats on calm days with their tails up. The looking for Redfish watch for wading birds around the flats and mangroves because they feed on the same things as Redfish. Its also mullet time and large numbers are schooling on the grass flats. Redfish tend to hang with these large schools eating whatever they stir up. Hotspots include spotty grass flats near Weedon Island, Double Branch, Rocky Creek, Simmons Park, Bishops Harbor, Tarpon Key, Indian Key, and Joe Island.

Cobia, Sharks, Jacks: Cobia and smaller Blacktip, Spinner, Bonnethead, and Hammerhead sharks should show up around the power plant hot water runoffs as the water temperatures drop. Using large shrimp, small crabs and pinfish always entices a quick hookup.

There are plenty of large Jack Crevalle (Yellowtail) feeding on the remaining bait schools and glass minnows. If you’ve never tangled with one of these incredible fighters you’re in for a real surprise. Hooking and landing a Yellowtail in the 15 to 20 pound class is something you’ll not soon forget. When it’s over you’d swear you arms are three inches longer. Use whitebait if you can find it or shinny diving artificial’s lures with quick erratic actions.

Other Things to Catch: Look for Sheepshead and Mangroves off the beaches on patches of hard bottom also bridges, oyster bars, rock piles or fish attractors and deep water docks. Try green mussels, shrimp or oysters. Scrape the pilings to get them going.

If you’re interested in learning to fish the bay area…“GIVE ME A CALL & LET’S GO FISHING” Captain Woody’s been guiding and fishing Florida waters for over 50 year’s providing single boat charters for up to 4 anglers or multiple boats for large group events. And the results are always the same “Memorable Fishing Adventures with Tampa’s Top Guide”.

For more information or to book a trip, call his mobile at: 813-477-3814, call his office at: 813-982-2034, email him at WGORE@IX.NETCOM.COM or visit his website at WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM.