Seeing Red
Capt. Trajan Rodriguez
August 18, 2016
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
The rains have brought down the water temps a little bit but it is still hot out there. The redfish are starting to fall into their fall patterns and are schooling up all over the bay. Many of these schools consist of over slot reds and over 300 fish. Finding these schools will take some dedication, but once located can lead to a great few hours of constant hook ups. Approaching the school quietly with long cast can be effective. These fish are typically eating and will take your favorite live, dead, and artificial baits. There are a number of schools in areas like Upper Tampa Bay and South Shore. Please use proper etiquette when approaching another school that multiple people may be fishing.
The snook are in transition and have worked their way off the beaches. Some fish are still there but most of the big girls have worked their way off the beach and out of the passes. Look for snook on grass flats, mangrove points, and docks. Chumming with live pilchards is the most effective way. Don't be surprised if you hit a big snook on the flat while dead sticking for redfish. Snook season opens up September 1st and you can keep one fish between 28"-33". I recommend catch and release fishing of slot snook since as they are still recovering from the devastating freeze. Please handle these fish with care.
Mangrove snapper continue to eat the bottom out of the boat. Structure, chumming, and light tackle are key to ensuring a limit. Light leaders and small hooks will be important. Chum cut baits for five minutes before ever dropping back a small live pilchard. These fish are some of the best tasting and are relatively easy to catch once located.
The big black drum are still loaded on the bay bridges. Blue crabs will continue to be their favorite bait. FWC allows one fish over 24" to be kept per day but these big bruisers are full of worms and do not make for great table fare. Be careful of the bull sharks when releasing these fish, the sharks love them.
Tarpon are also on the bridges at night. Look for these fish working the light line of the bridge. Once spotted, pitch a bait to them such as a DOA baitbuster or big threadfin. Most of these fish are around 70 pounds but there are some migratory fish around.
This marks the end of my charter season as I head back up to the University of Florida for the fall semester. Trips will be available around the Thanksgiving holidays as well as the month of December. The fall should bring some great fishing. Be careful out there and good luck!
Target Species:
snook, redfish, snapper, black drum, tarpon
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