Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Fall patterns are in effect, as area beaches load up with schools of Spanish mackerel and backwater flats continue to see an insurgence of redfish.  

Calming conditions along the beach have us set up for a great stretch of mackerel fishing. Upon exiting the pass, birds can be spotted dive bombing areas of bait. Anglers can troll weighted silver spoons through the bait or anchor up and chum the fish up behind the boat.  

Schools of pilchards can be cast-netted just a few yards off the beach right now. Look for the pelicans that a hanging close in to find the bait. Most of the bait is large enough not to get gilled in a 3/8” mesh cast net, however just to be safe a 1/4” mesh size would be better.  

Schools of redfish can be targeted though ought the Intercoastal waterway. Last weeks low tides had the redfish stacked up along the drop offs outside of the main flats. Look for mullet activity to guide you into the spot, then be patient and let the redfish come find you. Live pinfish and or pilchards are irresistible to the hungry redfish that are looking to fatten up over the next couple of months.  

Incoming tides will have the redfish following the schools of mullet onto the flats. Target no motor-zone flats for a chance at finding a school of upper to over-slot fish. Free-lined tail snipped pinfish are the bait of choice when setting out a spread in order to locate the fish.  

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