Big Breeder Redfish Coming into Tampa Bay
Capt. Justin Ascherman
August 13, 2010
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Big breeder redfish have began to come into the waters of Tampa Bay now. On a recent trip the redfish that we were catching ranged from 24 inches to 35 1/2 inches. This is very surprising for this time of year. Usually we dont see that type of push of fish until a little later in the year. Around late September is when we see those big breeders come into the bay.
The key in catching these fish is for one the higher parts of the tide. I have found the bigger fish have been coming on cut ladyfish. The reason I like to use ladyfish is because they are on just about any flat inside Tampa Bay which makes it easy to catch them and the ladyfish can't resist a Gulp swimming mullet with a 1/8 oz mission fishin jig head. I like to take my ladyfish home and freeze them whole. I bring a few out for the days fishing and cut them into chunks. When the ladyfish are frozen and cut into chunks I am able to cast them a mile. As the frozen piece of bait and thawing out in the water its just releasing a nice scent trail for the reds to key on.
I have been using a 7'5" medium action Ohero Gold series rod, found at Tampa Fishing Outfitters in Tampa, FL, and 4000 Shimano Solstace reel with 20 lb Ohero Braid. I have been using 25 lb test Ohero Leader with a 2/0 VMC circle hook. The basic snook and redfish combo.
If your looking to get out and catch some monster redfish in Tampa Bay now the time to do it.
Target Species:
Redfish
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