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Tampa Bay - Saltwater
Capt. Matt Ercoli
March 27, 2002
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Snook, snook, and more snook pretty much sums it up. There is really little reason for us to fish for anything else when the areas most popular fish is biting this good. This past week has been very similar to the last few except that we are now catching a lot more nice fish. Over the last week and a half many more large fish have begun to flood the flats with afternoon water temps reaching the high seventies. I?ve had a few days this past week where we boated around 50 snook or so, but even on the slower days we have managed at least 20. Also on the slower days we are catching a lot more nice fish than two weeks ago. Today we where off the water by 1:00 in the afternoon, although we only boated a little over 20 snook we had one that was 32 inches and a 2nd that went 35 inches, (around 15 pounds). What an awesome sight that was, we saw both fish chase the bait in crystal clear water and blow up on it. Yesterday David Dodson's 8 year old daughter showed her parents up with a pair of 29 inchers. Although dad had to give her a little help reeling them in I was just amazed to see her get the hook set. That pretty much sums up how the week has been, lots off fish in the 22 to 25 inch class and then a few nice ones to cap off the day. As for slots, that is snook in the 26 to 34 inch range, we are catching up to a half dozen or so each day.
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As for everything else, we are also catching a few nice keeper trout and an occasional redfish. The cobia are just starting to show in fishable numbers so I think I am going to spend some time fishing them this week. I have been seeing a lot of pompano skipping across the flats as I run from one hole to the other. Although I haven?t stopped to fish them, I have seen a lot in the 3 to 4 pound class.
As for tarpon, I am sure they are available but I haven?t tried them yet, maybe I will give them a try this week also. It?s just hard to leave the bite we have going on right now on the flats.
As for offshore, I have heard reports of some kings, little tunny and a few offshore boats that have been slaying the black fins. Its getting time for my offshore fly fishing to start cranking up.
I guess I would have to say the hardest thing about the fishing right now is deciding what to go after. It seems as if the opportunities are endless.
I have a few days left in April if you are making plans. Light tackle or fly, April could not be a better month.
Sight fishing for tarpon, I still have a few days available in May, June and July, our prime months for catching the silver king.
Hope you have enjoyed my report, catch you on the water!
Captain Matt
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