November is Heating Up
Capt. Sean Goddard
November 10, 2014
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
The cold fronts are here, northerly winds, negative tides and of course lower water temperatures. November can be one of the best months for fishing if you plan your trip properly. The water temps are finally in the 70's and the bite is strong, redfish are still plentiful and schools of over sized redfish are all over the Bay area. White bait, cut bait and shrimp are still working well, as are scented soft plastics, I have been having good luck with chartreuse Charlie's paddle tails and a 1/4 ounce jig head in chartreuse as well. Fish are feeding in the top and bottom hours of the tides. I have found quite a few fish drifting the potholes on the flats.
The snook are making their move to their winter spots in the backcountry creeks and rivers, They are still some good fish on the flats and taking refuge in the mangrove roots. They are actively feeding on white bait and fattening up for the coming winter weather. It won't be long until they are all up in the back country and rivers so now is the time to get a big fish. As always take care when handling these fish as they are a limited resource and we are lucky to have them this far north. Try to release them by keeping them in the water and always remember the larger fish are usually egg bearing females.
Trout fishing has been on fire with many of the larger fish moving onto the flat to feed early morning. Smaller fish up to keeper size can still be found on deeper grass flats from 4 to 6 feet on or near the potholes mixed in with redfish and flounder. Live jumbo shrimp either free lined or under a popping cork is producing impressive numbers of fish..
The kings are here and have been being caught near the south side of the Skyway by trolling the deep cuts in the shipping channels. Smaller fish are common right now with larger ones beginning to show. Head to the last buoy of the shipping lanes and fish north to south toward Anna Maria Island for some smoker kings.
Gag grouper are here ! Larger sized fish in the 30 inch range have been landed with various tactics being used. Trolling large deep diving plugs such as the stretch 30's. Rapala magnums and bombers have produced fish as have live bait, palm sized pinfish being the best. fish the edges of the shipping lanes, look for large bait bails near the bottom and you will find the grouper.
The Bonito bite has been incredible, we are having days with 15-20 fish caught all on top water lures. If you are looking for a fish that will not quit, makes your drag scream and pulls this is your fish. There are many schools working the bait in the bay and they are easy to find. Look for circling birds and boiling water, toss a top water lure in the middle of the feeding frenzy and twitch it a couple of times then hang on.
Captain Sean Goddard
Inshore 2 Offshore Fishing Adventures
813-731-3426
http://www.inshore2offshore.com
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