Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Conditions have been perfect this week for targeting snook, trout and redfish. The bay water temperature has been in the low 70’s in the morning and mid to upper 70’s in the afternoon. As the afternoon tide rises along with the temperature, fish become more active on the flats.  

Live bait action has been spectacular in the afternoon. Concentrating efforts on flats that are holding mullet has been the key. Live chumming from an up tide position will help you locate where the fish are holding. Patiently waiting for your free-bees to swim down current past the fish will reveal boils and pops allowing you to see where to set up.  

Free-lining pilchards on medium light gear spooled with 10 pound braid will not only help you sling your bait out to where the fish are, but also help you to feel any subtle bite you might have when fishing an open bail, a tactic that can be deadly effective.  

Creeks that serve as wintering homes for snook are loading up with fish right now. As our next cold front passes more of the larger fish will enter the creek. Fishing around sundown will typically give you the best opportunity to hook into some bigger fish. Live pilchards work great and chumming will get the activity levels of the fish up, but don’t be afraid to send out a larger bait. Pinfish and or finger mullet will really get the attention of a big snook.  

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