Captains Corner, Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Subtle changes have taken place following last week’s storm.  For the most part our wind direction all summer long has been from the west. The onshore direction brought more humidity and overall hotter temperatures. With the passing of Idalia our wind has switched to an easterly direction which has brought the humidity down and allowed temperatures to drop more overnight.  If the changes continue water temperatures will come down and fish activity will go up.  

Drastic low tides the past several days have been even lower than predicted due to the stronger offshore wind. We don’t normally see negative low tides until the winter months, so it’s been a refreshing change fishing some of those winter spots. Negative low tides will work to an angler’s advantage, congregating all the fish into the area into a much smaller location.  

Fishing the outer edges of the grass flats with either live bait or lures will put you in position to catch a variety of fish. Chumming the area with live pilchards can bring the fish to you on a moving tide. While drifting the edge and methodically working soft plastics will give you a shot at hooking these fish on artificial lures.  

Cast netting live pilchards is very easy around sun-up through ought the intercoastal. The baits range in size from three inches to micro sized “net wreckers” be sure to use a quarter inch mesh cast-net to limit the gilling.  
Capt. Tyson WallersteinFlats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868
capt.tyson@hotmail.com
www.Flatsmonster.com