Captain John Paiva- Tampa Bay

Fishing has been slow around the south shore area, but that is just typical this time of year… when the water temperatures go down into the low 60’s, our resident fish develop lock jaw.  You need to go where the water is warm i.e dark bottom residential canals, rivers, areas around the power plants, and deeper water with less movement.  Anglers must also keep an eye on the weather.  This time of year very strong cold fronts can roll through and change calm conditions into very dangerous conditions.  I advise all boaters to review the marine forecast before heading out.  If there is a front forecasted to move through and winds are going to change from 10 knots to a small craft advisory conditions — stay home and be safe.  

 

The residential canals are holding small quantities of spotted sea trout, small redfish, and some snook.  Baitfish – scaled sardines – are no where to be found in our area so shrimp, artificials,  and pinfish have been the baits of choice.  Yesterday, we caught 15 Mackerel and a several Bluefish on artificials.  The old squid spoon and a little John jig, root-beer colored with gold and red flake,  did the job.  We also spotted several large snook but with water temps in the low to mid 60’s they were not interested in eating shrimp, pinfish, or artificials.  

 

Last week I did put a client on a record fish for me … 48” approximately 35 lb. see pic below.  This was a catch of a lifetime and the fish was released in great shape to produce many more trophy fish this spring / summer.  

 

This is a great time to work on your gear and your your boat.  It’s also a great time to go scouting for locations that have large drop offs, and structure.  With the fantastic water clarity and the extreme low tides, it’s the best time of the year to find new fishing locations.  These locations will often produce lots of fish once the water temperatures warm back into the 70’s. They may become you new favorite fishing holes…  So, get out there and enjoy a beautiful day on Tampa Bay!