For the past week or so we have had some incredible weather. It has been very warm and light winds with clear blue skies. Everyone thinks that beautiful days like that are great for fishing, but that is not always the case. Those days typically have a higher barometric pressure and can really make the fish not want to eat. Your saving grace on days like that seems to be fishing in deeper water or just being very patient and letting the fish come to you. There is never a bad time to go fishing here in Tampa Bay!
With the low winds the bay has been glass calm and when you are on the shallow flats that can make for some really spooky fish. On days like those, I tend to go as slow as possible especially when attempting to throw artificial or sitting back and using cut bait. I like to cast the cut bait as far as possible from the boat. If you find fish in an area, but spook them out. The best thing to do is sit back and let them come back to you, or push further out and circle back to the area that they were pushing towards. Don’t try to chase them down with the trolling motor. That will only make them push harder and continue to run. Those fish are in an area for a specific reason and likely will return. They also like a certain depth so following that same depth along the mangroves is always a good idea.
We are getting into the negative low tide season and the upper bay especially is a very shallow part of Tampa Bay. Knowing where you are going and where the fish like to stage or move to when the water disappears from the flat, will likely be the key to your success. Be patient and work an area longer than you would like. The water clarity is greatly increasing and the fish are getting weary.
The redfish bite has been consistent in the upper bay. I have caught reds on just about everything you can think of. Using cut bait like ladyfish and pinfish has been working well. A couple of days I tried shrimp and was also very successful. Artificial lures were also working. ¼-ounce gold spoon or a paddle tail on a 1/8th to ¼ ounce jig head was producing the most fish. I sight casted a really nice redfish on a jig head with a gulp shrimp the other day when I was out scouting. If you have some water first thing in the morning you can try and work the edges of the mangroves but be ready to push out with the falling tides.
On super low days I find myself way out on the edges of flats or back in the creeks and canals. The water should be getting colder and colder and the fish will definitely make their way there. But for now the water is warm enough for them to be just about anywhere. Moving water seems to be the key. When using shrimp in the canal I like to pinch of the tail and use a split shot to get the bait down to the bottom. Same with the smaller white bait. I like to use a split shot and nose hook the bait. That way there is no resistance in the moving current.
The trout bite has been fantastic. I have mostly been targeting them with artificial lures. Some really nice trout over 20” have been caught and a few days close to 50 trout each day. Trout have to be one of my favorite fish to catch. Plenty of action and when a big one does eat, its really special. I did see one trout that had to be pushing 30” shoot past me. Man would I have loved to catch that big gator trout. I have not seen a trout that big since my Mosquito lagoon days.
Trout will eat just about anything. A few ways I like to target them is using a jig head with a paddle tail or an irresistible curly tail. Let that bait hit the bottom and give it a nice twitch and let the bait fall again. The trout will usually hit it on the downfall or as soon as it hits the bottom. I try not to over set the hook as to not rip the bait out of their delicate mouths. Most of the time I am reeling and lightly setting the hook at the same time. No need to Bill Dance the fish.
Snook have been around but they are starting to slow down a bit. You really need to focus on the creeks, canals and docks. Right now, they are seeking the warmest water they can find. They will also push way out onto the edges of the flats when the negative tides force them out or they retreat to safety of deeper water.
Sheepshead are definitely starting to show up. I have seen some good numbers around a particular rocky area that I fish. They are not the largest of fish, but the bigger ones will push in as it gets colder and colder. Sheepshead are fun to catch, but can be very frustrating since they are good at stealing your bait. You have to be quick. I like to use a stout J hook with just a split shot to get the bait down. Look to find them around the bridges as well. Mud crabs, shrimp, and fiddler crabs are the best bait to use.
Triple tail have been around, but it is a hit or miss game here in the upper parts of Tampa Bay. Not a lot of areas that hold them, but they tend to be good size ones if they are there. Some jacks and ladyfish are also around as well as a few smaller residential tarpon. I haven’t marked any black drum yet or really went looking for them, but I am sure they are around.
I have plenty of open spots let for the remainder of the year. If you are looking for a Tampa Bay fishing charter then you have come to the right place. I will work hard to make sure you have a memorable day on the water. Fishing is fun!
Capt. Bucky Goldman of Bag’em Fishing Charters!