Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

So far this has been an incredible fall season for redfish. Good tides this past weekend in Tampa bay had the redfish schooled up. Finding the right stretch of mangrove shoreline can produce non-stop action.  

During the lower tidal stages, the redfish will often shadow the mullet on the open flats, typically staying a bit further off the mangroves. Anglers can work weed less spoons, top water plugs and bounce soft plastic jigs through the schools of mullet.  

When the tide is high, target mangrove points especially those near small creek mouths or “dump outs” where the tide often moves much better. The redfish will push up under the mangroves where they can be tougher to catch with artificial lures. A cut bait such as ladyfish and or pinfish works well during the high tide periods.  

Snook are on the move with this recent cool down. More fish are showing up on the flats with the redfish, as well as creek mouths on the incoming tide. The snook are looking to fatten up before winter and are responding well to live pilchards. Cast-netting live bait has been fairly easy recently. Flats from Gandy bridge south to Pinellas point are holding plenty of pilchards. Look for the bird activity to locate the bait. Using a quarter inch mesh cast net is a must to prevent the smaller baits from hanging up.  
Capt. Tyson Wallerstein
Flats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868
capt.tyson@hotmail.com
www.Flatsmonster.com