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Tampa Bay - Saltwater
Capt. Matt Ercoli
July 20, 2004
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
I know it’s been awhile but my time is limited. The fishing is as hot as the weather right now. It seems that the tarpon migration has been winding down but resident tarpon have been picking up the slack. Most of my tarpon fishing has been early morning for 50 to 200 pounders. I guess I would have to say that we’ve been averaging 3 to 6 hookups per morning. That works out great because it leaves plenty of time for snook and redfish, which are biting equally as well.
Most of the snook are running in the 20 to 30inch class, I have also been doing well on the larger ones. Last week we had two approaching 40 inches. On better days we have been boating around 35 to 40 snook.
Redfish have been equally good, and if anything, picking up. I have been on a few different schools. Most of the fish are ranging in the slot 18 to 27 inches. Every school seems to have some bruiser, over sized fish as well, 28 to 34 inches. Although we have to let the big ones go, they sure do make for a sporting fight.
I ‘m also catching some really nice trout in the areas where I’m targeting my larger snook, our largest this week was 24 inches.
As for offshore, little tunny are on the bite if any of you fly fisherman are interested. Spanish mackerel have also been thick at times. Mangrove snapper have been large and biting well if you can keep the goliath grouper from gobbling them up. Then again you can always step up the tackle to 200lb test and have a real battle with one of those tough’s guys.
Well I hope you have enjoyed my report, August should provide excellent fishing on the flats. If you are interested give me a call, I still have some available days. If you’re heading out on your own good luck and have fun!
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