Spring is Here!
Capt. Trajan Rodriguez
March 13, 2017
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Despite strong winds over the past week, the bite was great all over different parts of the bay. The bait never seemed to leave this winter and can still be found on the bridges and flats all over the bay. The threadfin schools are started to show up all over the bay and can be great to use for cut bait or big snook.
The snook are starting to stick their noses out on the flats and sure are hungry. Groups of 10-15 overslot snook can be in groups out in the mouths of creeks, flats, and certain bridges. Snook are in season and each angler can keep one between 28 and 33 inches. I recommend catch and release, but they sure make for some of the best table fare. Greenbacks have remained the go to bait, but do not be surprised to hit a nice fish while cut baiting with redfish.
Big redfish seem to be over all parts of the bay. Fish from 26 to 36 inches have been found all over the flats in groups from 10-200. Approaching quietly and chumming the school with either live or cut bait is the best way to get these fish to settle down and stop moving. Be courteous when approaching a school that multiple boats are already on. There is plenty of other fish around!
Trout bite remains hot and can be found in the potholes out on the grass flats.
This time of year makes for some of the best fishing we have for all our favorite species. Tarpon season is right around the corner and I am expecting an early arrival due to the warm winter we had.
Good luck and stay safe!
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