Snook & Trout Hungry, Tarpon & Kingfish Almost Here
Capt. Dustin Hilliard
March 17, 2015
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
From New Port Richey to St. Petersburg, Spring is here and bait is everywhere. With water temperatures rising into the 70's, it's telling the fish it's time to eat.
The Snook bite has been great with them coming out in droves from their winter Tampa Bay rivers and back country estuaries. Some are getting ready to move to their summertime spawning spots along the beaches and bridges. The average size snook has been 24 to 32 inches, with some bigger females in the mix. White bait has been the "go to" on a size 2 or 3 circle hook, with a 20 lb. to 30 lb. fluorocarbon leader.
Redfish are stacking up around mangroves and docks where there's deeper drop offs. White bait or live shrimp has been working well especially - in case you're having a hard time getting them to eat artificials. The Trout bite has been consistent with most in the 15 to 18 inch range, with some reaching the 24 inch mark. They will never turn down a greenback or scaled sardine under a floating cork, along with mirror lure MirrOrdines or Lil John jerk baits on a 1/4 ounce jig head.
Get ready Tarpon and Kingfish are just around the corner.
Tight Lines,
Captain Dustin
(727) 487-3045
www.captaindustin.com
Target Species:
Snook & Trout
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