This winter fishing has been steady and full of action. Negative low tides have occasionally restricted us from safely getting into some of the creeks here in Upper Tampa Bay. Luckily, I have been doing this long enough to know when you can, and shouldn’t try to get in some of the creeks. There other day I saw 3 boats all beached and they weren’t going anywhere for a long time. I fished a 4-hour charter and when I was done, they all were still stuck. Winter time remains one of my favorite time of year to fish here in Tampa!
White bait has been stacking up at the bridges and has been pretty easy to get. They are ranging from small to large in size, so you have plenty of options when selecting what size bait you want to throw. That comes in handy when you have stronger currents and need to get the bait down to the bottom. Even with a split shot weight the larger baits can still sit up high in the water column and that leaves them open to the birds. I say that because the birds have been absolutely insane right now. The smaller white bait has been working the best especially when it comes to the trout bite.
Last few trip we have had plenty of action from redfish, trout, and snook. Although the snook bite is starting to slow down considerably with these colder water temps. Lady fish and jacks have also joined the party so there has been plenty of action even on the slower days. We have also jumped a half dozen tarpon the last few outings. Unexpected with the water temps in the low to mid 60s. Tarpon have ranged from 20 to 50 pounds, but have yet to land one. That’s to be expected when using 25-pound test leader.
The trout bite has been really good on artificial, that is if you can get past the ladyfish. Ladyfish are really fun to catch, but after awhile they can really start to annoy you, but on the bright side, kids have an absolute blast fishing for them. Its non-stop action and they always get a giggle when they crap all over the Captain and boat. I have been keeping a few ladyfish for cut bait as well so its never a bad idea to pluck a few early in the trip.
Redfish bite has been consistent and should be getting better and better as the water temps cool off and the tide falls out. Look to find them concentrated in the warmer flowing waters of the creeks. We have had a lot of fluctuating weather so the fish are bouncing around a lot. Would love for some more consistent temperatures, but I can’t make the weather.
This is also the best time of year to troll the shallow flats and sight cast to big trout and redfish using artificial lures. I went scouting the other day and whacked the crap out of some quality fish. Took a little while to find what they were looking for but once I did, they were crushing it. I tried gold spoons, paddle tails, curly tails, artificial crabs, twitch baits, and they snuffed everything. Then I switched to a mirrodine 17MR in the bone color and they were all about it. The bite really turned on once a small breeze kicked up and put a ripple on the water. That made me less obvious I was there and help make further casts.
If you’re looking for a great time on the water with beautiful weather, now is the time and all the way through spring for that matter. Book your Tampa Bay fishing charter today Happy Holidays and remember, fishing is fun!
Capt. Bucky Goldman of Bag’Em Fishing Charters