By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
Mackerel are still one of the top stories around the lower portion of Tampa Bay. It is March and it is primetime for spanish mackerel. The pompano jig and the teaser, the most underrated mackerel catcher. If you don’t have them, give me a call.
Sheepshead are still an item down there. Had a strange one six weeks ago. They weren’t there. Went looking for them: Nope. Never seen that in January. They were at the passes early for spawn.
Trout action went from mediocre to outstanding to end February and start March. They are there pretty much all the time. This year: It has been decent. Not “great” but we have had a couple of really good trips, some average trips but no really bad trips. Topwater lures: Getting ready to be really good down here.
Flounder are becoming an item again? Not yet but after a four year lag, I’m hoping this is the year. The SlamR by 12 Fathom, my flounder catcher. The cover photo: Flounder from the south shore, my choice on “where to catch them.”
Unreal: Pompano are in spots they shouldn’t be for another two months. And they’re big. And there are a bunch of them. The Silly Willy (yellow) with the Uncle Neil teaser (pink) and you will catch them one after another. It is that easy. Have that setup bouncing on the bottom and they eat it every time.
Ladyfish are an option if you have someone you just want to get into action. The jacks are still in the river (Manatee). But, with warm weather for an extended period of time: Everything will be on the flats on the south shore of Tampa Bay.
Oh, to see redfish back again, even 50% of what they used to be. “Closed” it would be good to see them make a comeback. The “mullet” by 12 Fathom, my choice for a redfish lure.
I make that drive. Always glad when I do. This is a great part of the Bay. The wildlife. The fishing. It is always worth it. I launch at my father’s favorite wade fishing spot. I spent a few hundred days with him there over the years. I taught it to him. He liked it. I think of his every time going there. I actually always get there early. I sit and drink coffee where he and I drank beer after fishing. 2/25 is two years since he died.
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.
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
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- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
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