Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

Water temperatures are coming up in Tampa Bay. It’s been a cooler spring than last year and at the moment we are a few weeks behind schedule on fish patterns.  

Snook have been feeding well during the afternoon incoming tide the past couple of days. They are Still a bit reluctant to totally let their guard down and feed at the lower tidal stages out away from the cover of the mangrove canopy. Live chumming with pilchards and swimming a hooked bait back deep under the cover will produce all afternoon.  

The best time to target redfish right now has been the lower morning tides. The redfish have been in loose schools patrolling the same depths as the mullet. Fan casting a gold spoon around the mullet schools has been productive for those wading or in a shallow draft skiff.  

Schools of Jack crevalle can often be seen pushing around the flats early in the day. Some of these fish have been over ten pounds. Long casts with a spook style topwater will grab the attention of school and can produce some vicious strikes.  

Bait catching has been hit or miss the past few days. As the water becomes warmer it will be time for the pilchards to make their way onto the shallower flats and leave the deeper holes and bridges. Look for pelican activity to guide you to the bait. Flats south of Weedon island tend to get loaded with bait earlier in the season.  
Capt. Tyson WallersteinFlats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868
capt.tyson@hotmail.com
www.Flatsmonster.com