By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

Nervousness with the red tide reports:  The Bay is not affected by it to date, and hopefully the bloom will not only stay out of the Bay but subside altogether.     We do not need a fish kill in the area where we have the most snook.   This year has remained clear.  

The south shore has remained strong, basically for the 26 years I have lived here.   This year with all the species closures, it has been strong.   Trout are the easiest option.    There are a few snook, but they aren’t very big.   There are a few redfish but that isn’t what it used to be.   Pompano have been a real disappointment for the second straight year.   

Action has been “good” to “outstanding.”   Redfish are spotty.  Flounder just haven’t arrived again, for the fifth year in a row.   After decades of catching them easily, they just aren’t a good option.  

Trout action has been pretty strong.   The water finally clearing after a glut of summertime rain:  The action went from really “blah” to brilliant.  We had one day where there were more than 30 fish over minimum legal size and a lot of days with steady action on upper-slot fish.

Flounder still have not returned to the program.  Where have they been and when will it get better?   I wonder:  Is there anything we can do?

Giant jacks are possible.

Ladyfish are a regular catch if you get over deep sand.

Mackerel are also something to catch if you go even deeper toward the Skyway.  

Would you like to get better at fishing?   Look at The Kayak Fishing Academy.   There will be regular sessions.   Feel free to inquire by email or phone call.    I give a three and a half hour session on fishing and kayak fishing that would be valuable for people who do any kind of fishing.  It is $30 and it is an investment in your fishing career.  This is the most complete seminar I do.  

The next one is just a few days away:  November 7.    $30.    Three and a half hours.   The grill will be lit for a free lunch and there are some giveaways for attending.  

The following weekend “Terrific Trout Tampa Bay.”   (November 14) A great opportunity to make a little money catching the longest trout.   $30.   

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.  

Neil Taylor
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