By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

Typical of the toughest part of the summer, some of the action has been slow the past week but good opportunities remain on the southern shore of Tampa Bay.   I have actually spent less time down there but that has changed.    It is back on the favored locations list.

Action for all species has been good, including the return of flounder; the surge in snapper but also good trout action.     Redfish?  Not so much.   With jacks, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel and there are a lot of piscatorial inhabitants in these waters.     Summertime:    Go early or go late.   Sunrise and sundown have great feeding opportunities and the midday stuff really shuts down fast.

For flounder:  The 12 Fathom SlamR has been the one ‘all-around’ for all species.     The flounder have been eating just about anything put in front of them but right now, all the bait is the same size as the Mullet.   This action should sustain until the beginning of winter.

The others:
Trout continue to be caught on every outing.   The evening bite has probably been better than the morning.   The after dark bite on dock lights has been pretty decent.

Redfish action remains mysterious.    It was probably better in the spring but in the right areas, there are good numbers.    Redfish have been hit by poachers in this area but thanks to the work of FWC officers, more pressure has been put on these thieves and hopefully it means more fish for the rest of us to enjoy.

Pompano and mackerel:  Available at the Skyway piers along with snapper.  Pompano action has been the best in several years.     The bite put on poachers, the fishing got better.   Mackerel are almost always an option.  You have to chase the bait.   They stay around the Skyway Piers a lot of the time.

The snapper action has been fantastic on the south shore structure.    Click on the Skyway report below to hear what Paul is reporting on the piers.

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!

Enjoy Capmel.com Radio, also known as Outdoor Fishing Adventures and Tampa Fishing Outfitters Radio Show is doing very well.    I am hearing a lot of feedback from people who are listening to the show and enjoying it.    As co-host, I am in the studio nearly every week and we have a great setup with topics and guests.   Listen in on 1040 Sports Talk “The Team” 8 to 9AM on Sundays, live on the web or enjoy listening to the Podcasts at your leisure.

August 21:  The Kayak Fishing Academy!  A three and a half hour crash course in fishing Tampa Bay.     $30 gets you a bag of tackle, lunch and the whole picture on how to fish Tampa Bay.

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” ESPN Radio

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.

Kayak Fishing Skool for August 25:    Bill Jackson Shop For Adventure, Pinellas Park 6:30-7:45 PM

 

Neil Taylor
Latest posts by Neil Taylor (see all)

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR