By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
Back into the zone: We caught a ton of fish along the south shore the past couple of weeks. No question, the red tide eased and the fish returned. The action was steady.
We had our targeting and then to finish we hit the mackerel spots. We caught big mackerel, one after another on three straight trips. When you get spanish mackerel that are mostly 22 to 25 inches, those are BIG fish. It requires beefier leader. We threw the Uncle Neil teasers at them, sometimes on a Silly Willy, sometimes as an “extender.” My extender thing: You tie a foot long piece of leader to the hook of the jighead. You tie a Teaser to the end of the piece of leader. You cast and reel. They see it. They eat it. Loosen the drag and let them do their thing. You will lose fewer fish if you allow them to take a little line.
Trout action was mostly smaller fish. We had to wait out the bite for the bigger fish. We had days where trout were caught literally on every cast, they just weren’t very big. Most of how we did it was on the 12 Fathom Slam R on 1/8-ounce Mission Fishin’ jigheads. See below for an opportunity. The topwater bite is about to explode. It is still just a little early for the best topwater action.
Redfish remain a mystery. I used to catch them on every outing down here. The past three years they just aren’t very dependable like they are in other parts of the Bay.
Kayak Fishing Skool is March 24, 2016 6:30PM at Bill Jackson’s in Pinellas Park. The topic this month: Speckled Trout. A Classic species, come learn how to be more successful catching reds.
The sheepshead targeting has been a weird mix of other species. 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. My brother put in a sheepshead targeting day and caught plenty. A lot of smaller ones. 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.
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”
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
