By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
The lower Bay just continues to be steady. My original fishing grounds upon moving to Florida have continued to provide action for just about everything that we have in these waters. This is where Kayak Fishing started for me. I caught that bug by learning this area of Tampa Bay better than any other area when I first had access to a kayak. 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.
The baitfish arrival. Long overdue and interestingly random, the “April” scenario is here now. Sadly, the baitfish rolled in this week, almost July? Peculiarities: What happened to battling through ladyfish and jacks to catch anything else? Hooking one of those species so rare I feel blessed. But still mystified. Pretty easy: Lots of bait, both of these species should be pretty easy to find.
The south shore, still a pretty good option also has some challenges. The algae is very bad. The hope is for continued rain and some improvement. The people who have been going down that way have given reports that are tough.
Speckled trout can be caught pretty regularly on the 12 Fathom SlamR and Mullet. It is not unusual to catch flounder while targeting trout and vice versa. The late afternoons and into sundown have been higher feeding times for trout, beating the dawn feed significantly. But fish have been caught well into the morning hours as well.
Sharks are obviously here in amazing numbers this year. If you want to have this action, use whole fresh ladyfish or large live pinfish and sink them down deep.
July 28 Kayak Fishing Skool
6:30 to 7:45PM Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure (Pinellas Park)
“Capture”. Tips in finishing the catch and proper fish handling
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: Capmel.com Radio, 8 to 9AM Sundays on 1040 “The Team”
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
