Big Redfish Again Amazes

Capt. Steven Markovich
May 24, 2009
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report

Sunday looked a lot more like normal opposed to the monsoons of the last week. Sunny with light winds made for a great day. First stop was on the top secret big redfish spot; once again it was the place to be. It was only a couple of minutes before the first rod bent mightily as a 30" redfish started the action. Moments later a double header had me scrambling to keep the fish apart. The action was steady for over an hour, each redfish was over 28" with the biggest 30". No monster reds 35-36" today like previous outings. This amazing bite has been going on for almost a month.
Pinfish and large white baits worked equally the key is keeping the bait in the strike zone. The baits do all they can to get away so frequent reeling in and recasting is necessary. Fishing deeper water requires a split shot or jig head to keep the bait on the bottom.

We pulled anchor and ran to Pinellas Point as the tide was getting ready to go slack. Small jacks, black tips sharks and several trout made for an interesting mix. Surprisingly no mackerel, maybe the cloudy water from last week's wind and rains. We also found the beach snook hard to locate as the shallow water along the gulf was also murky.
Next stop Tama Bay south shore for Captain Steven's favorite snook. The outgoing tide did not disappoint, white baits uptight in the mangroves was the ticket. Frisky snook 20-24" were on the prowl and hammered our white baits.
The water temperature cooled 4 degrees to 76 down from last week's 80-81 degrees. Very special thanks to Captain Tim Whitfield would went out of his way to help when I had a mechanical issue. Tomorrow Memorial Day I have another charter I am anxious to get on the big redfish action.

Captain Steven

Tampa Bay Fishing Forecast:

Look for great tarpon action with the upcoming weeks hill tides. Snook and redfish action tight in the mangroves.

Target Species:

Redfish Snook Tarpon

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