A bobber does not mean someone poking their head into a tub of water trying to grab an apple. A cork is more than a stopper for your favorite bottle of wine. And a float is not just a thing people ride during a parade. Actually they often pertain to a method of fishing used by millions of anglers throughout the years. It seems every angler has their own method or style and one of the most productive showed up several years ago… the popping a cork.

Historical papers indicate people used various floats, bobbers, or corks as early as mid 1800’s with evidence that somewhere around 1844 Norwegian fisherman used small egg-sized floats. Into the 1940’s, glass floats became popular and where used to support larger commercial fishing nets. However, for today most commercial and sport fishing applications have been replaced by aluminum, plastic, natural cork and Styrofoam.

Corks, bobbers, floats or whatever you call them still serve the same purpose for today’s anglers. Whether a small boy with a cane pole and a can of worms, sitting on the bank, fishing for bream, a family fishing for bass, snook or redfish or a commercial trawler night fishing for swordfish…at some time or another they use some form of tackle suspension or strike indicating floatation.

Over the last few decades, someone came up with the idea of popping their corks on the surface like a lure. To their amazement they discovered it could serve more than one purpose. Not only could the bobber indicate a strike, but when popped on the surface it attracted otherwise uninterested fish. This new method of attracting fish also attracted the attention of tackle manufacturers. And soon capitalized on the idea by creating what is known today as a Popping Cork.

A relatively simple design it soon became the must have float in every anglers arsenal, especially those targeting saltwater species like spotted sea trout and redfish. The idea was to generate enough attention as to attract an unsuspecting fish. As they investigated the commotion there was a tasty morsel of food.

This new method worked so well in fact, the cork soon took on a shape of its own and almost immediately began showing up in tackle shops everywhere. Each brightly colored oval or cigar shaped cork had a stainless steel wire shaft threaded through round plastic and brass beads. Now when popped it not only created commotion on the surface, but as the cork slid up and down the stainless steel shaft striking the beads it made a clicking sound.

This little fishing novelty helped anglers catch thousands of fish throughout the world. It did however have one drawback the stainless steel shaft. After a period of time it would bend and the cork would not slide properly.

For years after the invention of popping corks, all was well in the fishing industry and they sold like hot cakes on a cold winter’s morning. Just think… now we had it all, a strike indicator, a fish attractor and the small brass beads added weight which meant further cast. Could our fishing lives get any better?

Sensing a need for new and cutting edge product several tackle manufacturers revolutionized the popping cork market by creating a totally new design. This completely new style of popping cork not only offered the standard oval and cigar shapes, but one had a concave top designed specifically to move more water.

Not only did we have a new design it went a step further and corrected the one existing drawback. Instead of using stainless steel shafts they used Titanium which enabled it to spring back to its original shape.

We now understand more about floats and popping cork how do you use it? Everyone quickly develops their own techniques, but here are the basics.

1. Tie fluorocarbon leader, under the cork to keep your bait about a foot off the bottom. Depending on the bait you’re using you might also place a small split-shot 8 to 10 inches above the bait.

2. Make your cast allowing everything to settle in the water, much like using a topwater lure.

3. While keeping your rod tip down at about a 45 degree angle periodically snap the rod tip using your wrist. This allows the cork to displace the most water and when done properly the cork should make a gulping sound.

4. Allow the cork to settle for about a minute or two and repeat the process until everything disappears.

5. Finally, when the strike comes do not snatch back on the rod, instead quickly take up the slack, get the line tight and give a short quick tug to set the hook.

Three rules to fishing: Bait your own hook, clean your own fish, and tell your own lies…

No one is certain when we began experimenting with hooks. However archeologists estimate the oldest ever found was about 9,000 years old. Called a “gorge,” it’s actually one of earliest tools used to catch fish. It was a piece of wood, bone, or stone about an inch in length, pointed at both ends and secured in the middle to the line and covered with some kind of bait. When a fish swallowed the gorge, a pull on the line wedged it across the fish’s throat.

At some point they began changing the design to create the curved “J” shaped hook commonly used today. Scientists in Norway have discovered a cache of such hooks made from bone and estimated to be 7,000 to 8,000 years old.

Fish hooks where developed to meet the demands of different fishing techniques and species. If you want to catch it on a hook and line there is something available.

How Big Is Enough? Small hooks catch big fish and also do less damage. I have friends that fly fish and the fish they catch on the smallest hook is outrageous. They all confirm it’s not uncommon to catch big fish on small flies. Experienced live bait anglers will tell you to judge the size hook by the size of bait. If you’re using small baits, the last thing you want is to weigh it down with an oversize hook.

For snook or redfish I use #1 or 1/0 circle hook when using small live pilchards and for inshore snapper a #1 or #2 circle hook works great. However, when it comes to Tarpon or sharks I’ll up size depending on the species and size. As an example on not oversizing; we continually catch large hundred-plus pound tarpon on 4/0 – 5/0 circle hooks.

The most common argument about hook size usually relates to the “straightening of the hook.” Believe me when I tell you, a good quality hook and properly set reel drag will not let a hook straighten. In ninety percent of the cases a straightened hook relates to hook quality and drag setting, rather than size.

Hook Size: What the numbers actually mean is simply formula used to define hook sizes. Sizes are based on a nominal hook size of zero. Hooks with a number followed by a zero “increase” in size as the numbers go up. Hooks not followed by a zero, “decrease” in size as the numbers increase.

Here’s an example of increasing size hooks: 5/0 hooks are one size larger than a 4/0 and two sizes larger than a 3/0. On the other hand, a number #5 hook is one size smaller than a number 4 and two sizes smaller than a number 3 hook.

Nearly all manufacturers follow this basic numbering system to indicate the increase or decrease in hook sizes, but with many different styles or patterns. Unfortunately there is little standardization for overall styles. What may be a size 4/0 in a Mustad or Daiichi may not be the same as a 4/0 in a Gamakatsu.

Treble hooks also follow this sizing convention; a treble is described by the size of any one of the hooks. For example a 4/0 treble hook is made up of three 4/0 hooks, while a number #4 treble is made up of three number #4 size hooks.

Multi Hooks: It is my opinion that treble and double hooks should be banned from fishing, because they do too much damage to fish and sometimes fishermen. If you are into catch and release you cannot in any perception of good conscience use treble or double hooks. What about lures? They can work with single barbless hooks. Suppose lure manufactures decided to go along with this idea, it would cause some reconfiguration and balancing adjustments, but would ultimately save money and time over conventional trebles. It would also save thousands of fish.

Extra Strength Hooks: The “X Factor” or other measurement used in identifying hook styles. These hooks are designed to provide as much strength as a hook one or two sizes up. Hooks marked “2x strong” or “2x” are made from wire as thick as the next size up, while a 3x hook is as thick as a hook two sizes up.  As an example a 2x – 4/0 hook has a wire thickness and strength of a 5/0 hook. A 3x – 4/0 hook has a wire thickness and strength of a 6/0 hook.

The other common x standard is the length of the hook shank. A ’2x long’ hook has a shank twice as long as standard hooks of the same size. A ’3x long hook’ has a shank 3 times as long as the standard sized hook.

A less common variant are ‘wide gape’ hooks. A wide gap is one where the gap or distance between the hook point and hook shaft is wider than the standard hook. Sometimes the wide gap hook is described as ’2x wide’ and the hook should have a gap twice as wide as the standard hook.

Wire, Forged or Stainless Hooks: Standard wire hooks are made from wire that is bent into shape, the point sharpened and barb added. The wire retains its rounded shape throughout the hook.

Forged hooks, once the shape has been made, the sides of the shank and bend are flattened making them much stronger than wire hooks, but more expensive. They are commonly used in saltwater by big game, trophy and competition anglers.

Although stainless hooks will not rust as fast as non-stainless hooks they have some disadvantages: they are softer and bend more easily, loose their sharpness, more expensive and because they do not degrade they are more harmful to fish that break a line.

Here’s a tip for you: Never store used hooks with new ones, especially around saltwater. Try to keep the new ones in their packaging until needed.

Sharpening Hooks: Two or three years ago the standard advice was to sharpen your hooks before using them. It was thought that new hooks where not sharp enough to use straight out of the package However, most hooks today are chemically or laser sharpened and trying to re-sharpen them actually dulls them.

Sharpening anything produces heat and too much heat reduces temper, and softens the material. This is true with hooks to much heat can lead to bending or breaking points. Always use a slow deliberate stroke being careful not to remove too much metal from the point. There is a fine line between a sharp point and a weak point. If there is not enough metal at the point, it can break or bend.

Barbs: Do we actually need hooks with barbs? It seems that barbs were initially introduced, not to hold fish, but to stop the bait from coming off the hook. A common thought is that barbs are there, so it’s harder for fish to get off the hook. Truthfully, you do not need a barbed hook to catch fish; just keep your line tight. It’s worth our reconsideration whether barbs are really necessary, since it does considerable damage when removed.

My point here is, in the days of catching fish to eat, it was natural to reduce the chances of losing your dinner. For anglers and anglerette’s today, the individual challenge is more important than the meal. Demonstrate your angling skill by using barbless hooks; after all you never let the line go slack, and if you do; oh well, that one got away… go get another one.

One final point about barbs; the first time you sink a barbed hook into a part of your body, and have to go through the drama of removing or having it removed, you will become a barbless believer.

Snook: If you’re determined to target snook this month be prepared to fish several locations. They’ll be around, but usually not bunched up like early spring. The water temperatures start falling as we into our colder months and when this happens, snook normally migrate toward warmer waters. Unless they get caught in an early winter chill or prolonged cold period like 2009, they should be ok. Many will move into rivers, channels, deep creeks and deeper estuaries. Like other fish with low tolerances for cold water they move to areas with deep muddy bottoms. Muddy bottoms hold heat; and it’s for this reason that it attracts baitfish and fish that eat them.    
Redfish: December usually means good redfish days. We’ll be targeting them around oyster beds, mangroves and shallow water pools on those low tide days. Wading is a great way to fish winter redfish. Like other species, redfish will drop into the tidal pools left when the winter tides expose everything else. The most certain thing to remember about winter tides is; at least you know where you’re not fishing. Redfish will be eating all types of live and cut bait as we approach the winter months. They’re also fairly easy to catch using artificial lures. If you’ve never used artificial lures, do yourself a favor and give it a try. If you’re out the excitement of catching and releasing; artificial lures offer you a chance to pit wits with one of the toughest competitors in the bay.  

Spotted Sea Trout: Winter usually signals the beginning of trout season. Hundreds of anglers take to the water to catch this beautiful fish. Typically, a schooling fish where you catch one you’ll usually catch several. One point to remember is when you’re catching 12 to 15 inch fishing that’s normally what’s in that particular location. Larger trout are not a fast on the trigger as the smaller ones, so they elect not to compete, but rather hangout alone, watching a pothole for a quick meal. If you’re using live shrimp just hop and pop it over a broken bottom grass flat and shortly you’ll have a limit for dinner. Trout are loads of fun on artificial lures and I’ve caught some really nice fish tossing jerk baits to sandy potholes. With artificials you have the opportunity to cover more area thus exposing your lure to more fish.  

Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, Bluefish, & Mangrove Snapper: Travel across the bay and you’ll pass no less than 10 to 15 schools of feeding fish. Usually the first thing you’ll see is birds eating the leftovers of the feeding frenzy. These schools of feeding fish usually consist of ladyfish, mackerel, bluefish and jacks. Many anglers turn their noses up at these species thinking they’re junk fish. Granted ladyfish and jacks are not decent table fare, grilled or smoked mackerel and fried bluefish are excellent. For some great rod bending action these species make an excellent quarry, especially for beginning anglers and anglerette’s. When introducing children to fishing it’s important to take them catching… they’re not the least interested in fishing. If you don’t get them on a bite quickly they lose interest and probably won’t want to go the next time. Kingfish are showing up on the beach around most hardbottoms holding bait. Snapper are on the markers and fish attractors.

Snook: Excitingly the snook bites been very well. I’m certain the cold weather kill, last winter, has taken its toll on this prize target. But regardless we’re catching some nice fish. We’re catching them on live and artificial lures and moving water seems to trigger the bite. I’m finding them in places we did not fish last year; so do go to the same old spots… explore new areas.

Redfish: The reds are on the move and showing up around the bay. We’ve had good catches on live pilchards with or without a cork. Occasionally they get a little stubborn, so just change over to cut bait, on the bottom, and they’ll find it. Grass flats with sandy potholes and large schools of big mullet are great starting points.  As the tide levels reach the mangroves they push back into the roots, so cast it close and hang on.

Spotted Sea Trout: Everyone loves a good trout bite and it’s that time of year when the big ones start migrating inshore. Shrimp is the favorite bait of choice but remember artificials on a light jig head always catches trout. Hop and pop it over a broken bottom grass flat and shortly you’ll have a limit for dinner.

Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, Bluefish, & Snapper: Tampa Bay is full fo glass minnows and it’s a feeding frenzy everywhere you look. Feeding on small baits you must match the hatch when tossing artificials to feeding fish. Look for breaking and boiling water along with diving birds and it’s fish on. Kingfish are on the beach and the snapper bites getting better.

Snook: Expect good early morning flats action and later in day you will find plenty of fish lounging in the shadow lines around docks and mangroves. Greenbacks, threadfins, shrimp and pinfish are baits of choice. Or you might try tossing some artificials around… they do catch fish.

Redfish: They should start congregating around the flats as the action picks up this month. Good grass flats with sandy potholes and large schools of mullet are great starting points. The Tampa Bay area holds miles of mangrove lined shores and high tide redfish love getting back under the root system. There is always a multitude of food available including crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. The same baits that catch snook catch redfish or for some early morning excitement try a walking-the-dog technique with a MirrOlure Top Dog Jr.

Spotted Sea Trout: Fishing always improves as the water temperatures cool. Strong moving water and deep water grass flats can usually produce a decent bite. Trout love small pinfish, shrimp, and greenbacks free lined or under a popping.

Tarpon: Some Tarpon are still around and bridge light lines especially at night. We should see some smaller thirty pounders showing up in channels and rivers. They usually always take threadfins, greenbacks and crabs.

Spanish Mackerel & Bluefish: Tampa Bay is still producing excellent mackerel bites that should continue this month, especially south of the Gandy Bridge. Look for diving birds, put out a chum bag, and hold on.

To escape the sweltering heat, recreational boaters and jet skis, anglers often prowl the night looking for a few good fish. Night fishing is attractive to many anglers can loads of fun. If you think this it’s something you’re interested in, then hook up the boat and hit the water for some nighttime fishing and memorable outings.

Night fishing often presents an opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime, while enjoying some peaceful, comfortable time on the water. Like most wildlife, fish become increasingly nocturnal, especially during the summer. This often means the trophies that lay dormant on deep structure, during the day, can be found prowling the shallows after the sun goes down.

Growing up in the Seminole Heights area of Tampa, Florida; I lived only a few blocks from the Sligh Avenue Bridge and the Hillsborough River. I would fish from the shore, the bridge and from my home made plywood boat with my dad’s second-hand 1½ horsepower Elgin outboard. As a youngster I spent many exciting hours fishing and exploring the river.

 One favorite fishing activity was night fishing from the bridge. We used a technique most of us old Tampa boys called “Swishing.” It involved an extra-long heavy bamboo cane pole, rigged with 24 to 36 inches of Dacron line, and an old Dalton Silver Flash topwater lure.

 It’s a simple technique rarely used today; in fact I can’t remember the last time I crossed a bridge and saw someone swishing with a cane pole. Anyhow, here’s how it’s done. We would bend over the bridge railing, point the pole down toward the water; then in a figure eight pattern, we’d work the lure slowing around the bridge pilings and fenders. The strike anticipation was unnerving and it usually didn’t take long before a night prowling snook would strike, almost jerking the pole from your hands. Depending on the size, we’d often just lift the fish onto the bridge, however for the larger ones we’d walk them over to the bank.

While this seems to be a technique from the past; today, there is plenty of excellent nighttime fishing going on around the area. Fishing structure and more importantly structure with lights always produces nice fish. Why lights? Simply, light draws bait, which draws fish. Realistically, any structure attracts bait, but if it has lights on at night it really attracts bait and quality fish.

West central Florida’s coastline offers plenty of inter-coastal waterways, canals, rivers and creeks with thousands of bridges and docks, many with lights. So, why not take advantage of this “fish in a barrel” scenario and use it to our advantage.

Night Fishing Plan: If you’re planning on night fishing; hopefully you don’t go unprepared. Plan your attack carefully and learn the area you intend to fish. Put together a fishing plan by identifying the important things you should know before it gets dark; shallow areas, unlighted obstructions, and channels can certainly cause problems, if you’re not prepared for the unsuspected.

Since nighttime is normally the soundless part of every day, it’s important to remember to be “Quiet”. Fish holding around docks and bridges will acclimate themselves to everyday noises, but any unusual, loud or sudden noise can send them scurrying away. Veteran nighttime anglers make their approach using a trolling motor (on low) or drifting/poling to within casting distance being careful to never crowd the target.

Examine and study the water as you approach any structure. Study the layout and lighted areas looking for shadows. Look carefully and you’ll often you’ll see them darting in and out feeding on passing baits. Here’s where patience pays off; wait and watch for a few minutes as it gives you time to identify their feeding pattern. This can make or break a spot, as proper bait and lure presentation is paramount.

When using artificial’s present them from the same direction as the current, Active currents bring food to waiting fish, so it only makes sense that your lure should come from the same direction. Cast your lure up current into the shadows, twitching it through the light line into the light.

Stealthy Anglers Win: Here’s a final thought about night fishing especially around residential docks. Not everyone’s as nocturnal as nighttime anglers. Remember, people are sleeping and probably could care less that you caught a 10 pound snook, so regardless of how elated you are, try keeping the hooray’s down to dull roar. Making loud noises especially late in the night annoys property owners, which forces them to turn off their dock lights. Just a little common sense and consideration is all it takes to keep a good thing going.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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