Fall is quickly approaching and from what I saw this past month it should be a great one. We closed out yesterday with a stellar trip. Everything seemed to be chewing. I had two clients on board and we were able to get them both grand slams. Here in Tampa that is catching a snook, redfish, trout, and a tarpon. We actually didn’t land the tarpon, but we got a lot of good jumps out of them before they threw the hook. That’s tarpon fishing for you!
I am glad to say the bait is becoming bigger and more consistent and the water temps are slowly going down. Scaled sardines on the flats have been the bait of choice and pinfish are getting crushed under the mangroves. You just need enough water to get up there. If not, focusing on the schools of mullet on the flats has been the key when the tide starts to drop out.
The redfish bite remains consistent but pretty soon they will take over the show as they school up. I have seen a few tailers on the flats and that’s always a great sign. The flats seem to be coming alive with the amount of activity on there, so it’s only a matter of time until the fish figure it out. I think they are still seeking shelter from the heat. A strong out going tide has produced the best action these past two weeks.
The trout bite remains fair with a lot of ladyfish and jacks mixed in. It’s a great way to start the day off getting on some action and waiting for the perfect time to approach the shorelines. Trout have been anywhere from 15 to 22”.
Triple tail have also started to show up on the range markers and deep-water pilings. These guys are excellent fighters and so much fin to target. It can be a hit or miss mission, but when you do find them it can be really exciting. It is a lot of running around and checking everywhere they might be.
Fun sized tarpon are hanging out and if yesterday was any indication of what this fall holds it should be a good one. Tarpon are ranging from 10 to 50 pounds and on light tackle they are super exciting. Lots of jumps and long runs.
Snook bite was rather good yesterday and should be great until the winter. Snook will start to gorge themselves in preparation for the cold winter months. White bait has been key, but if you like artificial fishing a morning topwater bite can’t be beat.
Now is prime time for fishing! Don’t miss out and get on the books today. Fishing is fun!
Capt. Bucky Goldman of Bag’Em Fishing Charters. Call, text, or book online. We offer no booking fees. 407-977-7650