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Tampa Bay - Saltwater
Capt. Matt Ercoli
April 1, 2003
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Sorry it’s been so long since the last report, my time is very limited this time of year. Believe me it’s not for lack of good fishing but actually the exact opposite. Everything seems to be biting right now and fishing could not be any better.
The best catch since my last report came this week when we boated a kingfish that measured 54 inches to the fork, my largest to this date and actually the largest I have ever seen, what a battle he put up. The kingfish have been exceptional, that fish although the largest, was one of many large kings boated this past week. I have had several others in the 20 to 25 pound class and hoards of smaller kings. I have also been catching lots of little tunny and mackerel while kingfishing offshore.
Goliath grouper are biting like crazy as well. Most of them are in the 250 to 400 pound class. The black tip sharks have also begun to show. Well that pretty much sums up the offshore fishing. Although I do more flats fishing I figured I would start out with the catch of the week which happened to be that tremendous kingfish.
Now for the flats fishing. Snook fishing has been excellent, it actually exploded for me the day after my last report. We have been averaging 20 to 30 snook per day with most in the 20 to 30 inch class. I have had a really good month on trophy snook, several in the 36 to 37 inch class and one that measure right at 40 inches. It has also been really good for keeper snook, my best day we boated around ten or so that fell in the 26 to 34 inch slot limit.
The redfish have been quite well too. There have been a few massive schools on the bite with a mix of fish from 23 to 34 inches. Lots of slot fish for eating and lots of oversized fish for fighting.
Cobia are also strong on the flats, most are in the 18 to 35-pound class with a few larger. I haven’t had a lot of time to devote to them but will as the run becomes stronger into April.
Resident tarpon fishing is strong right now. On the better days it’s possible to have a dozen hookups. Most fish are in the 80 to 150 pound class, larger ones are possible.
Trout fishing’s also strong, although I haven’t been targeting them it’s very easy to fill a limit on nice ones if you spend a little time on them. The big trophy trout are peaking right now.
I hope you have enjoyed my report. If you are planning a trip for the tarpon migration I still have a few days left, but they are filling in quickly. Remember May, June and July for prime tarpon.
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