Lower Tampa Bay

By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

Typical of the toughest part of the summer, some of the action has been slow the past week but good opportunities remain on the southern shore of Tampa Bay.  Pompano:  They have been good and pick up the slack.   Most people don’t take advantage of this.  I am continuously amazed how we have that all to ourselves when they are so fun to catch and so good to eat.  

Action for all species has been good, including the return of flounder; the surge in snapper but also good trout and redfish action.     With jacks, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel and there are a lot of piscatorial inhabitants in these waters.     Stated in the last four or five reports, the theme remains the same:    Go early or go late.   Sunrise and sundown have great feeding opportunities and the midday stuff really shuts down fast.    

For flounder:  The 12 Fathom Mullet has been the one ‘all-around’ for all species.     The flounder have been eating just about anything put in front of them but right now, all the bait is the same size as the Mullet.   This action should sustain until the beginning of winter.     We hope for the best for all species with a looming red tide.   We are enjoying a full recovery from the flounder decimation in 2005.    It took years to rebuild that species.    Hopefully this bloom stays out of critical areas and subsides before too much damage is done to any species of fish. 

The others:
Trout continue to be caught on every outing.   The evening bite has probably been better than the morning.   The after dark bite on dock lights has been pretty decent.  

Redfish action remains mysterious.    It was probably better in the spring but in the right areas, there are good numbers.    Redfish just don’t have a presence anymore.    Hatchery help has to be utilized.  

Pompano and mackerel:  Available at the Skyway piers along with snapper.   The snapper action has been fantastic on the south shore structure.    

There is a little of everything down here.    I go down there all the time.

If you want good opportunities:  The lower Tampa Bay area is better than most.  

As always: Be careful out there!

Neil Taylor
Owner and guide:  www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345  LivelyBaits@aol.com
Owner and site administrator:  www.capmel.com

In a battle that is never really over: The great work of FWC officers to target felony netters and keep an eye on other recreational offenders has led to better fishing for us all.  Their continued efforts to catch felony netters are making the south shore region return as a great fishery again.   But help them out:  Keep your eyes peeled for illegal activity and make a call if you see poaching, 888-404-FWCC (3922).  Your tips will help make cases and you could be eligible for a reward.  The fishery survives the pressure of poaching, a lot of anglers and just continues to be a great location to go.