Fishing is on Fire
Capt. Sean Goddard
October 1, 2014
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
It has been a week chock full of thunderstorms, relief should be close. October is shaping up to be a great month. The bite is getting hotter as the water temp drops into the 70s. Large schools of over sized redfish have moved into he bay and are roaming the flats, white bait, cut bait and shrimp are all working well. Work the mangroves during the higher tide and look for moving water and bird activity on the flats during the lower phase of the tide. Expect to work hard for a dinner sized redfish this time of the year.
The snook are making their move to their winter spots in the backcountry creeks and rivers, don't worry though they are plentiful still on the flats and mangrove shorelines. Early morning before sunset is producing well on top water lures for jumbo snook roaming the flats and live bait during the day as they hide out in the mangrove roots. As always take care when handling these fish as they are a limited resource and we are lucky to have them this far north. Try to release them by keeping them in the water and always remember the larger fish are usually egg bearing females.
Trout fishing has been on fire with many of the larger fish moving onto the flat to feed early morning. Smaller fish up to keeper size can still be found on deeper grass flats from 4 to 6 feet. Live bait suspended under a cork float is producing well as well as mirrolures and early morning top water plugs.
Cobia have been spotted near the markers and over sandy flats following rays. Use a black eel lure or large pinfish to target these tasty fish.
Gag grouper have begun are moving inshore with more keeper sized fish are being landed at the Skyway piers every day. Trolling the shipping lanes inside Tampa Bay is getting more and more productive by the day. Large deep diving plugs in 50 feet of water now are producing some impressive sized grouper being caught.
Captain Sean Goddard
www.inshore2offshore.com
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