The lower Bay area continues to produce:   Mackerel, pompano, flounder, trout, redfish, sharks, jack crevalle and tarpon are all available species with incredible opportunities for certain fish.

Same as before:   Flounder action has continued and will likely be excellent for many months to come.    A few around 20 inches have also been caught.   The 12 Fathom SlamR and Fat Sam Mullet on a 1/8 to 3/16-ounce jighead will locate and catch them.   Slow and steady, ridden along bumping the bottom the savvy flounder anglers will have no problem catching more than a few.   My own tip:  Let the 12 to 13 inch fish go and just keep the bigger flatties.   I wouldn’t mind seeing the rule changed.   The amount of meat on those “barely legal” fish is pretty light.

Fast moving speedster mackerel will be out in the direction of the Skyway bridge.   Accessible from the Skyway Piers, they will also be intercepted by anyone in boats or kayaks by just “following the birds.”    Ladyfish, jacks and even a few bluefish are in this melee.    Don’t discount the chance to catch a king mackerel before May is over.

Redfish action has been pretty good.    The 12 Fathom 3” mullet has been unbeatable.  On a 1/8-ounce jighead and cast a long distance, the thump you will feel in that foot and a half of water depth will lead to a fun, fun battle.    The next few weeks should have great opportunities on redfish at sundown around the south shore.    The sunrise action should also be good but sundown action should be excellent.

Speckled trout action has been pretty good. Topwater lures will entice big trout but the 12 Fathom SlamR and Mullet will also get eaten.   It is not unusual to catch flounder while targeting trout (and vice versa).  So the action has been good even if the targeted species doesn’t cooperate.   Trout breed year round.   Our trout numbers in Tampa Bay are excellent.

Sharks are back in strong numbers.    For the wade and kayak anglers, as I have said for years: Don’t even consider putting a fish on a “stringer” unless you want to have a dangerous close encounter with these opportunists.   Best to have an action plan for accidental hookups to sharks.  “Cutting the line” is a phrase I hear a lot.    Long dehooking tools can help save a lure but for safety, a breakoff is a good option.   Cutting the line not necessary, point your fishing rod toward the hooked fish, grab the spool and pull backward steadily.   This should bring a knot to breaking strength.

As always: Be careful out there!

Neil Taylor
www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345
LivelyBaits@aol.com

May 24 is Kayak Fishing Skool!. As usual, there will be a raffle at the end of the session, brought to you by Strike Three Kayak Fishing sponsors.   To be added to the email database for reports, feature articles and seminar announcements send an email to Livelybaits@aol.com and request to be added to the list.

Neil Taylor
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