What a shame.  On a recent boat ride to assess the red tide situation, Tampa Bay looked about as grim as I’ve seen it.  We headed out of northeast St. Pete, went through Gandy Bridge, then the Howard Franklin and up to Courtney Campbell.  The water was discolored the whole way.  Some areas looked like chocolate, others had a rusty red tinge to it.  Flats and range markers usually covered with bait this time of year were barren.  Seabirds were few and far between.  We went by and studied several of our late season tarpon spots along the way… and never saw a scale.  There were many fewer dead and decaying fish than a week ago but only time will tell when and if conditions will return to normal.  What a shame.  On a brighter note, offshore activity has remained productive.  Those willing and able to venture out to triple digit depths have been rewarded with outstanding catches of red snapper, red and gag grouper and a few monster kingfish among the by-catch.  Many have reported catching bait near shore only to have it die in the live well on the way to where they were going.  Until now anyway the water at the outer markers in the ships channel are not contaminated.  Bait can be jiggled up on gold hook rigs.  Pinfish, cigar minnows, some Spanish sardines, an unusual amount of goggle eyes, and even squid have been readily available from Markers 3 and 4 out to the Whistler.  Looking for a family affair?  Scallop season is in full swing.  From St. Pete – we’ll trailer the just over an hour trip and launch at Bayport (right by Weeki Wachee), run north towards Homosassa and look for the fleet.  Much of it can be done in single digit depths.  It’s the most fun you can have with your snorkel on.

Captain Jay Mastry 

CapMel Staff
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