Summer Fishing
Capt. Troy Mainzer
April 8, 2014
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Well it's about that time of year again. Tarpon! Some tarpon have already showed up and I'm expecting them to be here in full force in the next few weeks. Two years ago on Easter morning I caught 4 tarpon in 3 hours so hopefully they will be here that thick by that time this year. The big push of tarpon is usually from late April until the beginning of July. This is my favorite time of the year, there is nothing like hooking up to a big tarpon. It is a very rewarding experience.
The redfishing has been outstanding lately. The fish have been in huge schools around the local spoil islands and flats and most of these fish are over slot. Some are pushing 40 inches. These are a blast to catch and when we find them schooled up its not uncommon to have triple hookups. Snook fishing has also been good and they should start moving out to the beaches soon.
On the offshore side of things, the "endangered" gag grouper have been real thick. We've caught and released some big guys lately which is always exciting. The red grouper has been pretty consistent. Lots of 18-19 inch fish but if you put your time in you'll manage to get a few keepers. The kingfish are showing up in pretty good numbers. I heard some awesome reports this last week of some nice 20-30 pounders and also heard of a sailfish caught a few miles off the beach. Cobia have been around the markers ready to jump on a jig or live bait. My buddy was grouper fishing Saturday and had one come right up behind the boat. They flipped it a pinfish and ended up with a fifteen pounder for dinner.
I am booking my summer charters now so if you want to get out and try your hand at catching a tarpon this summer shoot me an email at [email protected] or give me a call at 813-293-4750. I also am available for charters on your boat if you are looking for somebody to come out with you and teach you some new things. I'm looking forward to a great season and hope to get out with a few of you guys.
Tight lines,
Captain Troy Mainzer
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