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Big Trout in town
Capt. Stewart Ames
December 28, 2023
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
As happens every year, large sea trout action is the primary game in town from Clearwater north to Tarpon Springs. Tides and weather patterns are keys to this fishing. With many species…seatrout included… the best bite usually occurs on the moving tide. Two hours into the incoming or outgoing tides are usually when the best bite occurs. Typically, the strongest tides provide the most action. The other key ingredient is weather. Pre front is great, post front, especially when water temps drop significantly, is generally very poor. Usually three to four days after a cold front, fish will re-aclimate to the water temperature, even if it's lower than before the front, and resume eating. It is the big change that puts fish in a lock jaw mood, not specifically the water temperature. That said, when water temperatures push down into the low fifties, fishing can become down right challenging. If whitebait can be found, it's trout candy as there is nothing better to trigger a bite. Plans B and C would include select shrimp purchased from a local tackle or any one of a variety of swim tail jigs thrown on a 1/4 ounce jig head. There do tend to be some smaller redfish around this time of year as well, but 10 fish may be caught with just one or two making it into the slot limit. Every now and then, a larger fish will show up. On warmer days, other species such as ladyfish, bluefish, jacks or flounder may make an appearance. Good luck and good fishing.
Tampa Bay Fishing Forecast:
More of the same action into January
Target Species:
redfish, snook, seatrout, kingfish, snapper, mackerel etc
More Fishing Reports:
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