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Tampa Bay - Saltwater
Capt. Matt Ercoli
March 7, 2006
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Well it’s that time of year, spring is in the air and the fishing’s on! I know everyone waits every year for this report which I call the spring exploitation. The water temp has been creeping into the low 70’s on the flats and the hungry snook have been gorging themselves as their metabolism rises with the water temp. Snook are tropical fish and prefer warm water, which means they must eat more to stay healthy and in-turn we get to catch more. My snook fishing has been very good this past week and it should only get better. I don’t think we had a single day where we caught less than forty. Some of my better days we left them biting after 75. Most of the snook are running smaller, 22 to 25 inches, but they are so much fun, especially in the shallow ultra clear water I am finding them in now. We are also catching some larger snook as well, most of the keepers have been around 27 to 28 inches with a few over 30 inches as well. As the larger bait starts to show on the flats we will start to catch more trophy fish.
Snook have definitely been our prime and most exciting target lately, but they are not the only thing that is biting now. The reds are also invading the flats. The nice thing is most of our reds have been very nice keepers in the 24 to 27 inch class, perfect eating size. They have been very finicky though, I have been seeing a lot of them, but they are not just leaping on the baits yet. I think as the water warms that they will be a little less shy and much easier to catch. Most of the reds are mixed in with the snook so they are just bonuses now anyhow.
As for trout, I do have a few spots that are producing nice trout for the table, most of them are in the 16 to 20 inch class. We are able to make a quick stop for some filets.
Well everyone, if you’re not out fishing now is the time to be out there. Whether you prefer bait, fly or plug the opportunity for catching fish on the flats couldn’t be much better. Fly fishermen, remember this is one off the best times for taking snook on the fly. It’s all sight fishing and the action is fast. My best outing for snook on the fly last march was over 45. Ten plus snook on the fly this time of year is usually the norm while 35 plus on bait is usually the norm.
Well if you would like to get out this spring give me a call I still have a few days open. It’s also time to start booking those tarpon charters, I’m filling quickly. Remember may through July is the best for sight fishing the tarpon, that is when the southern migration pours into the bay.
Well I hope you enjoyed my report, keep those lines tight and the fish jumping!!
Capt. Matt
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