Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Once again Tarpon and Sharks are at the top of the list for those wanting to do battle with some true summer giants. Tarpon are becoming more abundant along the Tampa Bay bridges at night as well as during the day.  

Night time bridge fishing has been very productive recently, tarpon cruise the shadow lines looking for shad, ladyfish, crabs or shrimp. Anchoring up tide of the shadow line and floating back a live lady fish right to the edge will produce a strike if the fish are there. During the day the tarpon can be found rolling around bridges as well as deeper areas in the 10 to 15 foot range that are attracting schools of shad. Cast sinking plugs to rolling fish, or free-line fresh cut baits on the bottom such as shad or mullet.  

Shark fishing has also been very productive, whether you’re targeting small 3 to 5 foot blacktips or bigger bulls. Set up in deeper water adjacent to shallow flats, areas that are holding schools of fry bait  indicated by dipping turns working the surface will be more productive. Typically we use the same size equipment used for redfishing when targeting the smaller blacktips and tarpon rods work great for putting out bigger baits for the bull sharks. Keep a fresh chum block out and fish with oily baits on the bottom such as shad, mullet or ladyfish, typically the bigger the bait the bigger the shark.  

Capt. Tyson Wallerstein
Flats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868
capt.tyson@hotmail.com
www.Flatsmonster.com