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Tampa Bay - Saltwater
Capt. Matt Ercoli
September 4, 2004
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
How is everyone out there on the fishing scene? First I would like to say thank you to those of you that called and emailed to see how I weathered the storm. It’s nice to know that you where thinking of me. Everything is fine here in Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island. We were very lucky, we braced for the worse, expecting a possible direct hit but luckily received nothing. The storm turned as it strengthened to a category 4 and made land fall about 112 miles south of us right into the mouth of Charlotte harbor. I was down there a few days ago in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte where it made a direct hit. It is pretty messed up, I’d say it will take months to get those cities up and running. Hopefully the clean up effort will move along as quickly as possible. I think it will be even better when the area is rebuilt. As for other areas that where hit, Sanibel , Captiva, Pine Island & Boca Grande, all of those Islands where severely damaged. I think Boca Grand may have faired a little better but I am not sure. I feel sad for everyone who live there but I believe they will build it back stronger and nicer than before. It’s amazing to see how fast all the disaster relief has acted.
Well lucky for us its business as usual around here, and the fishing has been absolutely great. Despite the afternoon heat fishing has actually been some of the best of the whole year, at least on the flats anyway. Snook and redfish have been on fire and many of the days this past week I have left the snook biting in search of redfish for the frying pan, only to have the same kind of action with them. One day last week my partner Shawn and I sat next to each other in two boats and in about three hours we boated around a hundred snook with some reds mixed in. Most of the snook I’ve been catching are in the 22 to 24 inch class with a few approaching 30 inches. Snook season opens on the 1st of Sept. I will start targeting the larger ones soon. Redfishing has been equally as fast, many of the schools are perfect eating size, fish in the 22 to 26 inch class. I have also been on a couple schools of reds that are made up of those bulls in the 28 to 34 inch class. Anything over 27 inches must be put back. August, Sept., and Oct. are always great redfish months, usually the best of the year, and it seems that this year they will hold their tradition. Each fall our redfishing has been getting a little better than the one before.
As for tarpon, there are still plenty of resident silver kings to catch. Most are in the 60 to 150 pound class & larger ones are possible. Though few people target them this time of year the action can be very dependable and actually quite well.
I am catching some nice trout while fishing for snook and reds but have little reason to target them when everything else is biting this good.
As for offshore fishing, little tunny and mackerel are biting well. There are also a few permit available for those willing to work for them.
Well that’s what I’ve been up to, I hope you have enjoyed my report. Snook season opened up the first of this month. September is hot, but very good fishing. October and November are a couple of my very favorite months, beautiful weather; great fishing and light boat traffic makes for a great combo. So if you are looking to have some fun on the water let me know and start making your plans soon.
Good luck and have fun fishing,
Capt. Matt
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