Captains Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Last week’s cool down has fish on the move in upper Tampa Bay. Backwater creeks and wind protected coves will have the warmest water around and will attract schools of redfish and snook.  

Backwater areas that offer protection from the wind, especially a north wind will not only hold the sun warmed water overnight but will also heat up quicker throughout the day. Most commonly shorelines that face south will produce better this time of year because the sun is lower on the horizon giving them more exposure to the sun. Mangrove points and funnels will hold the most fish as these are great places for fish to ambush current swept baitfish and crabs.  

Pilchards and threadfin herring can be cast netted along bridge shadow lines night and day. Threadfins aren’t normally the bait of choice, however with the cooler water temperatures and by not overcrowding your live well you can easily get four hours plus of fishing. Freeline or lightly weight your baits with a split shot right along or under the mangrove canopy. 

Midafternoon low tides are great time to target redfish on the fly. When the wind calms down from the morning blow and the sun is overhead, nothing is better than push poling along a shallow mangrove shoreline. Crab patterns in black or dark olive have been producing the most strikes.  

Capt. Tyson Wallerstein

Flats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868
capt.tyson@hotmail.com
www.Flatsmonster.com