Gator Trout Tampa Bay
Capt. Steven Markovich
September 11, 2011
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
You have to be very optimistic with large schools of redfish on local flats combined with light winds and a good tide. I met my anglers Rick, Kathy and Min and headed to the deep grass flats off Tierra Verde. Action was quick with ladyfish and trout chasing small threadfins. Rick's rod bent strongly and it was clear he was into a nice redfish except it was a gator trout. I was amazed when I saw it was 28-30" long. I was trying to get the trout on the boca grip and on my 3rd attempt the hook pulled. My heart sank as I wanted my angler to have a photo of this trophy fish. We could have easily netted the trout but did not want to harm the big female.
Next Kathy had a fish pulling drag and going from one side of the boat to the other. I was sure she had a Bonnet Head shark but I was amazed to see it was a jumbo ladyfish. The beast had to be 5 pounds.
With the tide rising it was time to catch some large redfish.
I was anxious to get my anglers on these red bruisers weighing 10-15 pounds. Viewing conditions were good but sadly we did not see any signs of the big reds. My anglers were very patient as we inched our way for several miles on the trolling. Rick and Kathy are new to the area so I wanted to show off another great area so we made the trek to Bishops Harbor.
Bishops Harbor is ideal for snook redfish and trout. The area proved disappointing as all we managed was snapper and catfish. We did have some snook big blow up on chum baits but wont touch one with a circle hook in it.
I really wanted to get my anglers on the redfish so we headed back only to run into a storm. Lightning was getting close so we called it a day. Hind sight is 20/20 what's the saying never leave fish to catch fish. We could have caught Trout Ladyfish Sharks all day on the deeper flats.
Captain Steven Markovich
Tampa Bay Fishing Forecast:
Fall is in the air. Large schools of big redfish will be around for weeks. Look for Mackerel to start the fall migration followed by Kingfish as water temps cool in October.
Target Species:
Redfish Snook Trout
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