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Spring is Here, Great Action Ahead
Capt. Matt Ercoli
March 20, 2009
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Well today marks the first day of spring. Kind of funny but down here in Florida it felt like the first day of spring was over a month ago. Won't be to long before it feels like summer, we've had some 80 degree days this week, but then again I think we had some 80 degree days around Christmas too. It never felt like winter around here, just spring and summer. Well now that the flats water temps are holding above 70, even at night, and climbing above 75 in the afternoon, things have really started cranking up around these parts. There are lots of snook around, 40 or 50 per day. We had some 30 redfish days with a lot of snook mixed in, 20 or more anyway. All the reds are keeper size, averaging 20 to 25 inches. The largest reds have been up to 34 inches. Some of the snook have been larger with a few from over 30 inches no monsters. Mainly because I have been targeting areas with lots of fish we get plenty of action on top of some nice keeper redfish. The trout fishing has also been very good, which is nice to see. I haven't caught this many nice trout in several years. Mostly the trout have been running 16 to 20 inches, perfect keeper size. Most of my flats fishing are in very shallow water this time of year, barely deep enough to float the boat at times. Makes for some great sight fishing weather you prefer light tackle for fly. Nothing like watching a snook, in a foot of super clear water, chase a fly almost to your feet before he jumps on it.
As for offshore, I haven't done too much lately because flats fishing is too good. But the kingfish should show thick soon and you can bet I will be out there taking advantage of it. There is nothing like sitting over a ledge or wreck chumming with live bait for kings. Much of the time you can sit in one place and catch, kingfish, mackerel, tunny, Dorado, gag grouper, snapper, sharks and massive goliath grouper. It's awesome when you really have them chummed up, sometimes it's as fast as you can drop your bait in the water. Also for those of you who are fly purist, don't be afraid of the deep blue, we can get those big kings and tunny so chummed up you can even use a float line and watch them hit the fly as you strip it in fast as you can. April offshore in these parts can be unbelievable.
Now as for tarpon, I have yet to see very much action on them but I do think they will heat up very soon, now that the water is warming. They are out there now but are more consistent though out the day when the water warms a bit. I still have some days available, May through July, for the peek tarpon migration if anyone is interested.
Well I hope you have enjoyed the report. I have to get up early in the morning and chase some snook and redfish, so I'm going to end on that note and go to bed.
Target Species:
Snook, Redfish & Trout, offshore soon
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