By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

Winding down:  The seawalls, and any rocky structure going into the water really, have sheepshead.   There are some good fish but there are thousands of “next year’s fish.” Those ten to twelve inch porgies are next year’s convicts.    We saw a lot more big ones than he caught but the fish are there.   Things look great for a fantastic 2017 if sheepshead are your game.

The trout action has been STRONG for bigger fish.    For several months it was much smaller specimens.   We caught a few fish that were 24 and 25 inches long.  We had days of 200 fish regularly.   The action on the bigger fish is definitely better than it was earlier in the year.   The 12 Fathom SlamR remains the best bait for trout but topwater action is starting to get really good.

Mackerel action steadied.   The baitfish rolling in put more of these fish on the Skyway Piers and less between the islands.

We had one good outing for redfish.    The next day: They were gone again.

Weird wild issue of the month:   Ryan Bell caught a fish I had never seen  before.    A Smooth Back Puffer Fish.     His was world record size.   Three days later?   I caught one.   I had never seen one before.   They fight pretty good.

Kayak Fishing Skool is March 24, 2016 6:30PM at Bill Jackson’s in Pinellas Park.  The topic this month:  Redfish.   A Classic species, come learn how to be more successful catching reds.

To get detailed reports, check The Skyway Report on capmel.com.   Written by Paul Bristow every week, he keeps you on the heartbeat of the Skyway bite.  Get out and enjoy the easy action on the Skyway Piers!  Thank you Paul for dedicated, detailed reports EVERY SEVEN DAYS!

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
Co-host: Outdoor Fishing Adventures, 8 to 9AM Sundays on 1040 “The Team”

Neil Taylor
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