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More Wind

Capt. Fred Everson
April 4, 2009
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report

Lots of wind last week and some much-needed rain did little to dampen the spring bite. With water temperature in the low 70s the action has been hot. Snook are on the flats between Sand Key and Joe Island and they have been eating. I have yet to see any white bait between Bahia Beach and the Cockroach Bay channel, and most of the guides are still humping to the Sunshine Skyway to net their bait.

Spanish mackerel have arrived, and I am getting some reports of kingfish inside the Skyway. The mackerel aren't here in full force as yet, but that could change any day. I think we have seen the last of cold weather, and water temperature will continue to rise. The best fishing of the year occurs when it's between 70 and 80 degrees.

I have had a few tarpon reports from the flats south of Apollo Beach. My guess is that these are fish that winter in the hotwater outflow at the TECO plant that come out when the water temperature rises. I have been seeing these fish for years, and they are mostly big.

The wind has kept me from looking for cobia, but water conditions should be ideal for a hunt on the next calm, cloudless day. They like to trail the big eagle rays that cruise the flats this time of year.

Redfish continue to be a mystery to me. I am not seeing fish on the Southshore flats where I usually find them this time of year. Reports from the west side of the bay have been better, and I've also heard of some reds being caught between Piney Point and Joe Island. But most of my fishing is done between Apollo Beach and Big Pass, and I haven't seen the numbers of redfish I'm accustomed to.

The trout bite on the flats in front of Mag's Hole has been good, with lots of bigger fish in the mix. Live shrimp have been the ticket, but they should get a lot more aggressive when the pilchards finally show up.

Visit the captain's website at Tampabayfishingguide.com, or phone him at 813 830 8890.

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Sight fishing for a variety of species on Tampa Bay's Soutshore. Two anglers fish primarily with aritficials (occasionally we throw live shrimp and cut bait -- no sardines).

Contact Info:

Everson's Charter Service
3428 B West Shell Point Road
Ruskin, FL 33570
Phone: 813-830-8890
Alt. Phone: 813-830-8890
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