Captain’s Corner: Mike Gore

The Tampa Bay Times

t looks like the wind is finally going to lay down for us this weekend. Sunday being the better of the two days. Mornings looks like it will have the best bite on the slow incoming tide. Fishing Tampa Bay is pretty hot, now that the bait has made its way onto the flats. May will allow you to target all your favorite species. The King fish are still around and Tarpon are being caught at all the main bridges. The Snook and Redfish

bite has been strong all through April and should continue in May.

The Snook bite is really hot as they start to fatten up for the spawn. They have been more aggressive on the stronger incoming tides in the morning. When you first pull up to a spot, throw out the biggest bait you have in the water without chumming. This will usually entice the bigger fish to eat. After about 15 minutes throw out some chum to get the Snook all fired up.

If you want to target Tarpon, I would start around the Skyway Bridge. Some fish are running the beach around Anna Maria. The new moon and warmer weather we have coming up this week hopefully will in bring big numbers of Tarpon.

Are you looking for something to eat? Mangrove snapper and big grunts are being caught on most rock piles and ledges throughout Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg. Shrimp on a knocker rig has been the ticket.

Capt. Mike Gore