Spring Time Winds
Capt. Steven Markovich
March 24, 2009
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
I am writing today's report from 35,000' jetting my way to California. Great views of the Louisiana coast and back bays. Saturday's nasty East winds limited our options. Leaving the protection of the causeway and motoring towards the North Skyway Bridge we were greeted by large swells some in excess of 5'. Pathfinders can easily handle the seas but it would not be feasible to toss a cast net safely. Comfort and safety are first and foremost. We scooted back to the more protected area on the North side were we found threadfins the size of trucks. Not our bait of choice but we took what Mother Nature allowed us to safely gather and moved back inside.
It wasn't look before we spotted a large push of water, thinking we found the monster black drum that have been roaming the area we were surprised to find some very nice trout. Solid, chunky 20" and larger trout inhaled huge threadfins and DOA silver jerk baits.
Both Captain Steven and first mate (soon to be Captain) Chris have made silver our standard jerk bait color for both clients and ourselves. Staying in protected waters we were challenged by murky conditions. Find the cleaner water and we found trout and ladyfish.
Once the winds subsided (barely still 15kts) we moved out and ran to Pinellas Point area. Ladyfish at times were nonstop, trout were present but not nearly as plentiful. I observed several very large over the slot redfish cruising in and off the flat we were fishing. Our efforts including juicy fresh threadfin chunks went unnoticed. Sunday was a little better with a 34" and 29" snook boated both on DOA CAL jigs along with numerous juvenile snook.
Captain Steven's daughter and son n law are expecting a baby boy this August; I am already cherishing the thought of having my grandson onboard. As Captain Billy Nobles of The Reel Animals always says take a kid fishing. Don't let the kids get bored, look for something else to do. If you are boating stop at one of our many islands or beaches for lunch or to stretch. Dolphins, Sea Turtles and an amazing collection of birds are always fun to watch. Schools of mackerel and Bonita will be crashing bait on the surface which is always a great sight and keep kids occupied. Catching bait and playing in the live well is another fun activity for kids.
Captain Steven
Tampa Bay Fishing Forecast:
Look for Tampa Bay to explode with action. Higher tides will have snook blasting baits in the mangoves.
Target Species:
Snook Redfish Trout Mackerel Bonita
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