The Tampa Bay Times

High pressure this week affected the bite a bit in north Pinellas. The beginning of the week was very productive around the storms which are often during a falling barometer. When the winds are calm and the skies are blue, fishing can be tough. The fish can see tackle and are much more cautious. They are easier to sight but very difficult to catch in those conditions. So, I’ll change my tactics to fishing deeper edges, ditches or holes that allow fish more cover to be comfortable. Trout are definitely on the beaches in deep waters around the rocky structures. A small split shot can keep a live bait on the bottom where they are more likely to attack. Light colored jerkworms on an 1/8 ounce jighead bounced along the bottom are also very productive for trout, pompano and even flounder on the sandy bottoms adjacent to structure. Snook have become very finicky lately, eating best on the falling tides in my area. Larger sardines and grunts have gotten the most attention. Downsizing leader and hooks has been effective although the larger snook can go through 20 or 25 pound leader pretty quickly. Redfish are a little spotty. There haven’t been large groups of fish in any particular area. Working the overhanging mangrove bushes has produced one or two fish at a time. Moving along methodically and working all of the openings has resulted in a handful of fish. Tarpon are definitely showing up on the beaches and swimming across the sandbars in North Pinellas. My focus will turn towards the silver king‘s this week and through the summer. Especially in the early morning when the bite can be best. Setting up in their swimming lane and trying to lead the pods of tarpon moving north and south is my favorite way to hook these acrobatic fish. 
ntaylor
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