By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

The action has been pretty good.    Areas I was working a month ago I have left alone because the wind has been so dreadfully high most of the second half of November.   The other areas I go when the wind has been blowing have had moderately good to excellent action.   The trout action was outstanding around the new moon and two days before the full moon.   Then those fish disappeared.   The flounder action has been the best it has been all year.   We had a trip where there were five fish over 20 inches and twelve total over 16 inches.   That’s as impressive set of flounder as you will ever see on Florida’s west coast.

Sheepshead are everywhere.   I don’t really fish them but they are a great option this year.  The best spots:  Old Skyway rubble.   The sheepshead on the flats is over for the year.   They are on structure and are a solid option through February.   Shrimp, fiddler crabs:  The best way to trick sheepshead.   

Redfish?  Not so much.  In the right locations, yes but overall, I am seeing more redfish in other parts of the Bay.    Redfish still need more recovery, like snook.  

Easily, trout are the best option for action.   I throw the 12 Fathom SlamR and the Mirrolure topwater lures for big trout.  

Mackerel, jacks, bluefish:  All possible.   Mackerel action has been unreliable.   Bluefish have been encountered nearly every day.    Jacks, sometimes huge, also are being intercepted daily.

One of the best fisheries in our region, the lower bay has produced the entire time I have lived here.  

 Would you like to get better at fishing?   Look at The Kayak Fishing Academy.   January 9, 2021.     

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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