Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Unfortunately, red tide remains in our area. Strangely enough the majority of our region is free and clear of the algae bloom. You would never know by looking at much of the water both off the beach and in Tampa Bay that there’s a problem, until you see some of the affected areas and then you realize what a devastating blow a red tide event can be.  

Much of the beach is pristine right now. Plenty of baitfish and predator fish alike. Beach Tarpon fishing definitely dropped off during the thick of the red tide but now has bounced back strong. Plenty of fish are migrating thru heading both north and south. Keeping out a spread of live pinfish, threadfins and or pumpkinseeds will do the trick if you find a productive lane.  

Nearshore structures right off the beach are holding a variety of fish right now , which is awesome to see considering that they have been pretty quiet since the last red tide event of 2018. Mangrove snapper, trout , flounder and others can be targeted on the shallow reefs right now. Small pilchards are plentiful just inside the passes and make for great mangrove snapper bait just be sure to use a quarter inch mesh size cast net.  

Redfish and snook are enjoying the recent rain cooled waters of upper Tampa Bay. Big tides this week will have the fish pushed up under the mangrove canopy for most of the day. Free-lining live pilchards and or pinfish will get you plenty of bite once you locate a pocket of fish.  

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