Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

A cool down from over a week ago now has kept the waters from warming like they were prior to its passing through. There’s no doubt that fishing was tough this past week. However strong winds should finally subside this week and with overnight lows dropping only into the low 70’s, we should see some of the hot fishing we had return.  

Redfish numbers are good in the upper reaches of Tampa Bay. Follow the incoming tides up to the mangroves where the redfish and snook will gather and feed aggressively on the higher tidal stages. Afternoon fishing remains the best time of day and live sardines are the bait of choice.  

The Sardine migration is on schedule and has brought the bait from the deeper winter /early spring holding spots and now into the shallow grass flats. Where it can be chummed up and cast-netted in the early hours of the day.  

Lighter winds this week should help in sight fishing opportunities for cobia and triple tail. Look for cobia to be following the schools of sting rays out on the deeper portions of the grass flats. Find those areas that have a lot of sans as it’s much easier to see the fish over the light bottom. Cast eel imitations and weedless fluke style plastics to attract their attention.  

Triple Tail can be found nosed up to crab trap floats, bridge pilings and rand markers through ought the bay. Use either a live shrimp or a sardine suspended underneath a float to temp the often curios fish.  

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