The water will start cooling down and the fish should start getting comfortable and a little more excited about being fish. The bites been decent during the last weeks of August and I expect it to continue right through the fall. You can expect good catches, all over Tampa Bay, using live bait and artificial lures. There are plenty of redfish and snook hanging around the many lush grass flats and mangrove shorelines. As redfish move back into the bay it’s usually easy to find them schooled up on the flats. It’s also the time of the year when we see some of the big redfish starting to show up. You never know whether you’re going to a catch one in the slot or one of the giants over 30 inches, so be prepared. These big reds often top the scales at 12 to 14 pounds.
Most of the snook we catching are averaging in the 25 to 30 inch range. For those who like the night life associated with snook fishing, this is great time. They’re hanging under residential docks watching the light line for a quick meal. Use a shallow diving artificial lure or free-line big shrimp. Make sure to use a weighty leader like Seaguar 30-40 lb.
As for the others, expect some good sized mangrove snapper at the bridges with some topping out around 3 pounds. Cobia are showing and for us it usually only takes a chum bag over the side to spark their curiosity. If you hook-up, be ready with another rod and bait as other cobias will be following the action. Mackerel, bluefish, jacks and ladyfish will be feeding on bait schools everywhere. If its glass minnows they’re after try to match the hatch.
Never turn your fishing nose up at ladyfish and jacks especially when kids are involved; they can certainly make or break a trip. Most children are not interested in fishing, however they are interested in catching and they don’t care what it is. When you take kids fishing make sure it’s all about them catching fish. You’ll get your turn when you and your buds get out.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore is the areas top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.
Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done. Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, send an email to fishing@captainwoodygore.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814.