Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Typical for this time of year, the weather remains the biggest variable for a day out on the water. Post cold front slow fishing can quickly improve with a few days of beautiful weather.  

The second biggest variable, at least for the inshore angler would be the tide. Lower than normal tides during the winter months are often even lower than predicted with a north wind component. Anglers are often greeted with slick boat ramps and plenty of exposed surroundings this time of year. Be careful and work slow when launching the boat this time of year, a slip and fall is not only pontentially dangerous but is an otherwise terrible way to start the day.  

As we know low tides can often be our friend, Condensing fish into smaller more targetable areas. Think of it as the same amount of butter but less bread. The Intercoastal waterway is a perfect low tide fishery, hard areas on the outside edges of the grass flats often drop-off quickly creating structure for the fish to hold around.  

Trout numbers have obviously taken a hit over the past five years but may now be showing signs of making a comeback. Working the outer drop-offs with soft plastic jigs has been producing good action for trout. We haven’t been finding those 20 plus inchers like we used to see but quite a few fish in the 16 to 18 inch range.  

Redfish numbers are also up in the Intercoastal waterway. Post spawn mullet schools have made their way back to the shallows and the reds will be holding in the same areas. Live shrimp under a small float and cut pieces of ladyfish will work good as will gold spoons and weedless soft plastics.  
Capt. Tyson WallersteinFlats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868
capt.tyson@hotmail.com
www.Flatsmonster.com