Redfishing Decent, Seatrout About to Show Up Strong
Capt. Stewart Ames
December 4, 2018
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
November proved to be wide open for kingfish within 2 miles off the beach. These fish provided great light tackle sport when targeted on 20 lbs spinning outfits. For fish in the 10 - 20 lbs class, this tackle could manage the fish. Fish upwards of this often required chasing…just adding to the excitement. The past week of cold weather has slowed this bite but word is that there are still fish out there so there may be additional opportunities in the coming month barring another strong cold front.
After heading out first thing to catch kingfish, returing to inshore waters produced occassional snook and a fairly consistent redfish bite on the strong tide phases. Last year during early December, it was outside to catch kingfish and then back in to catch the large winter seatrout. Although these big trout have not shown up in mass yet, it is an "any day" happening at this point. The next cold front, forecasted to come in tonight, could well kick off the season. A stretch of mild weather could also re-ignite a late season snook bite. There are still some large fish around, but with last week's 10 degree water temperature drop down into the 60's, these fish became a whole lot less interested in biting. Redfish will be hit and miss through the next month. Casting into mullet schools on proven redfish flats is probably the best option although fish can be found in the potholes on lower tide phases.
Gag grouper have moved inside of 10 miles as can be caught in as little aa 20 feet of water in some cases. Remember that the season closes on December 31st and that the slot limit is now 24 inches. Good luck and good fishing.
Tampa Bay Fishing Forecast:
Possible kingfish remain near shore, Big seatrout due to arrive, scattered snook and redfish
Target Species:
Snook, Redfish, seatrout, kingfish, snapper
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