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Tampa Bay - Saltwater
Capt. Matt Ercoli
March 11, 2001
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
How is everyone doing this week? The snook fishing has been absolutely unbelievable since my last report. An average day for snook has been between 40 and 50 fish on live bait, and 15 to 20 per day for flyfishing, including 3 days when we broke 30. Some snook included a few 30 inch trophies on the fly rod. Most of the fish are coming from clear shallow water which makes for some of the most exciting sight fishing to be had anywhere. On live bait the average size fish is a little longer, we have landed several in the 33 to 35 inch class and lost a few larger ones, including a couple that may have approached the 40 inch class.
Since the snook fishing has been so good, my partner Capt. Shawn and I have targeted little else. We have been catching a few large trout to 28 inches and some slot redfish from 22 to 26 inches while targeting snook.
The tarpon fishing has also been exceptional in the past week. This is probably the most dependable tarpon fishing time of the year. The tarpon have had little fishing pressure so far and hook-ups are almost a guarantee. Most of the tarpon fishing this time of year is strictly done around bridge pilings which means that many are lost due to snags, but because of numerous hook ups your chances of landing one is quite good!
Ok! Now that I am done with the fish stories I will conclude with a forecast. The snook fishing should remain strong. Traditionally April is the month for giant snook and if I where to pick a month to catch a 40 plus incher, that would be the month. My partner Capt. Shawn agrees on this also. I hope to be reporting catches of giant bull redfish soon, 30 to 35 inches. I would have to say we are now over due, but with such great snook fishing its hard to waste valuable fishing time searching for them. You can sure bet, as soon as the snook fishing slows, that we will be targeting bull reds.
If you are interested in boating a tarpon on live bait April is truly one of the best months. These early season tarpon have very little fishing pressure and are easy to hook up. For you fly fisherman, I still have a few days available in May and June. Beach fishing for tarpon is the traditional spot and stalk fishing technique.
Due to an early spring the permit fishing should be excellent this April. Last April we had days of up to 30 fish caught from 8 to 15 pounds, and a couple in the 20 pound class per week. We catch good numbers though out the summer, if your plans include fly-fishing, April and May are best before they have had too much fishing pressure.
Hope that you have a most pleasant week and have enjoyed the fishing report.
Capt. Matt
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