Spring is here on Tampa Bay
Capt. John Rivers
March 6, 2022
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
It's officially Spring in Tampa Bay Area. Snook are all over the place and are feeding well. sweater temp's are right where they should be which puts the fishies I. A good mood, which means bent rods and screaming drags.
Live bait is the best choice, but if you like tossing artificial's, no worries, you'll catch your fair share as well. Here are a few lures that I like when targeting snook, redfish and trout. Headon's Spookis my go to for top-water. For redfish, and trout, I like tossing a 4"paddle tail ( colors: white and clear with red metal-flake ). Snook in Tampa Bay are live bait feeders, but you can still get them to eat artificial's. I like a 1/8oz snake-lock jig head with a ZMan Paddlerz.
Schools of redfish are also showing up on the flats in a few areas. These fish are very boat shy, so be quiet and patient and you'll hook a few. Once again, live or cut bait has been the best way to hook these skittish bronze beauties.
Some of the redfish schools have been beat up pretty bad by locals and guides, so again, be patient and you'll hook a few. They are mostly oversized fish, which means your drag is gonna scream. The sheepshead bite is still going strong in Tampa Bay, and the rock piles, jetties and bridges have been producing some nice catches. Live shrimp, fiddler and mud crabs have been the baits of choice.
If you're going to be in the Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg or Clearwater area, give me a ring; I trailer my boat to the best fishing spots so we don't have a long boat ride to the fish. With 15 years of guiding under my belt, you'll be in good hands if you jump aboard my New 2360 Ranger and go on a fishing adventure with me.
Have a great day
John
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