The snook fishing throughout Tampa bay has been as good as it gets this spring. Lots of slot sized fish and an abundance of underslot 20-26 inch fish have been landed on our fishing charters latley. We have been using live pilchards mainly focusing on shallow grass flats and oyster bars throughout Terra Cia bay and the mouth of the Manatee River. There has aslo been some nice slot sized redfish in the mix with the snook and the mullet. Reds and snook remain closed so it has been all catch and release fishing for these which has been good for the population of both species.
As far as fish for the dinner table the mangrove snapper bite has been very dependable in the bay with live and cut baits fished around rock piles and bridge pilings throughout Tampa Bay. The seatrout bite has really picked up this last week with lots of slot sized fish being caught and some overslot fished mixed in as well making for fun catch and relase fishing on the overslot fish. Remember all trout over 20 inches must be released still! we are fiinding the trout on the grass flats 4-6 feet deep in clean water along Emerson Point and Terra Cia bay.
The kingfish are still off the beaches and out into the Gulf of Mexico around some of the artficial reefs and hard bottom areas holding bait pods. Trolling spoons with planers and slow trolling live baits have been producing fish and providing great action for my clietnts. The Tarpon are starting to show up here and there and as long as the fronts are weak and water temps continue to rise we will be targeting them within the next 2-3 weeks on our charters.
This spring has already been great fishing and the summer is right around the corner and fishing will continue to be phenominal. Call me at 813-220-8725 to book your fishing charter this summer and get in on the action!