Captains Corner, Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Early morning high tides this week have offered some excellent redfish and snook action in the mangrove backcountry of Tampa Bay. Working the trees with freelined pilchards has been the ticket. Target creek systems that produce lots of freshwater runoff from afternoon storms. The water is a few degrees cooler in these areas and the fish are much more active.  

Small sardines can be cast netted along the grass flats in the southern portion of the bay. Be sure you use a quarter inch mesh cast net, or you’ll have a big mess on your hands.  

With an approaching full moon, it’s a good time to check some of those ledges and /or artificial reefs in 30 to 50 feet. Mangrove snapper have been the most consistent bite offshore and should be schooled up heavy on the backside of this full moon. Plenty of chum and fresh caught pilchards should be all you need to get the snapper fired up. Small to medium sized pilchards are abundant along area beaches, these young baits may not the easiest to cast but free spooled back to the snapper or weighted for bottom fishing work great.  

This is a great time of year to live chum for a variety action fish including Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, trout, and jack crevalle. On a strong moving tide target deep grass beds inside of the passes for the most consistent action.  
Capt. Tyson WallersteinFlats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868
capt.tyson@hotmail.com
www.Flatsmonster.com