Snook, cobia and redfish are patrolling the flats of Tampa Bay right now. Hot weather the last few days has really warmed the shallows and were beginning to see a change in the pattern.
Up until now morning fishing sessions were not as productive as afternoon ones, now the fish especially the snook, are comfortable feeding all day. Timing your fishing trips according to the right tide is now more critical than the time of day. Fishing the lower water stages will allow you to target snook, redfish, trout and jack crevalle out in the open water versus under the mangroves.
Live pilchards are producing the majority of the fish right now, however having a couple of pinfish or some medium sized threadfins is a really good idea. The fish will eventually slow down on chasing the pilchards but will remain aggressive on the other baits.
Pilchards can be found on the outer edges of the flats and will chum up fairly easy at first light. Look for the birds to give away their location. Generally speaking flats south of Gandy bridge have all been holding bait.
Cobia are targetable right now especially on those sunny windless afternoons. Look for sandy areas on the outer edges of the flats when hunting cobia. When conditions are right you can see the fish tracking along the sand from a great distance. Buck tail jigs work great as do a variety of soft plastic eel imitations.
Capt. Tyson Wallerstein
Flats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868
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