Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Early morning stops at jetty rock piles have produced excellent action for a variety of species. Snook, redfish, and trout are the targets however Spanish mackerel and flounder are also readily taking the live baits.

 Free lining live pilchards against the rocks at the strong part of the tide is your best opportunity for hooking a snook, while lightly weighting your pilchard with a split shot and working the area just off the rocks will work better for the trout, reds and flounder.

 Redfish have been feeding well on the afternoon high tide. Big new moon tides will bring in enough water for the reds to get back underneath the mangroves where they can feed on crabs. Pitching cut pieces of ladyfish or a weighted pilchard in the small openings between the branches will put your bait in the right spot.   

 Beach side tarpon fishing has been a bit slow this week as many of the fish have been migrating through the area quickly. The fish will be traveling both north and south now, making anchor fishing your best option. Anchoring just outside the swim buoys is a pretty safe bet for a start; however a more productive lane may be detected after sitting a while. Live threadfins have been the bait of choice but need to be changed frequently as they don’t live long on a hook. Pinfish, grass grunts and pumpkinseeds are also great baits for this type of fishing as they are very hardy and will swim down away from the float.
Capt. Tyson Wallerstein
Flats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868