Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Were finally starting to see a change in the weather pattern. A cool front this past weekend appears to have opened the corridor for the changing of the seasons. With another front expected late this week, the stage will be set for a stretch of some banner fishing.  

The waters of Tampa Bay remain free of Red Tide and the bait and predator fish are in place for fall action. Spanish Mackerel can be seen harassing areas of fry bait that are holding around current seems near all the bay bridges as well as over any of the artificial structures including reefs and range markers. Target the mackerel by either trolling small spoons or anchor fishing with live pilchards.  

Mangrove snapper are schooled up along the Bay bridges and artificial reefs. Chumming with cut up pilchards will lure the snapper away from the structure and towards the surface. Free-line or lightly weight your bait and present it just like a piece of chum.  

Snook fishing has been very good especially earlier in the day. Target the incoming tide around causeway rocks and creek mouths. Despite any real cool weather to this point, some of the larger fish are beginning to show back up in the backwaters. 

Redfish can be found working along the and under the mangroves at the higher tidal stages. Work points along the shoreline and focus your efforts on areas that are holding schools of big mullet. Live pilchards will work but a frisky pinfish won’t be refused under the right bush.

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