Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Cooler water temperatures this past week sparked an excellent bite in the shallows as well as the near-shore gulf.  

Redfish, snook, trout and jack crevalle are the top -targets in Tampa Bay right now. Rocky areas along the bridge approaches are holding plenty of snook and trout. Live chumming with pilchards will get the action ramped up. The longer you stay in a spot the more likely you are to lure in a hungry pack of jack crevalle.  

Last week’s afternoon high tides presented some great opportunities for redfish. Fishing under the mangrove canopy, often near small creek mouths or points can produce big numbers of redfish if a school is located. Bounce around from spot to spot pitching live pinfish or pilchards into the shadows.  

Nearshore hardbottom areas like those found off of Sand Key and Blind’s pass attract a ton of bait that in turn draw in schools of Spanish mackerel and kingfish this time of year. Although we are still awaiting the first big wave of kingfish, the Spanish mackerel fishing has been outstanding at times and should only get better after the first series of cold fronts continue to move through. Anglers can anchor and chum the mackerel in with live pilchards or drift or slow troll through areas of bait. Another option would be trolling a size 0 silver or gold Clark spoon behind a number 2 planer.  

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