By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
Things are hopping on the south shore. A great fishery, often challenged by illegal netting, our dedicated officers have done well in eliminating those problems and that has led to better action along the Manatee County shoreline.
You name it, it’s here right now. Trout, redfish, a few snook, flounder, huge jacks, ladyfish, spanish and king mackerel.
Right on schedule: Mackerel are still one of the top stories around the lower portion of Tampa Bay. It is March and it is primetime for spanish mackerel. From the piers: Use the Silly Willy/Teaser rig. Use 40# leader. Jig it hard and catch one mackerel after another. The Skyway Piers are absolutely easy mackerel fishing in the month of March.
Sheepshead are still an item down there. Trout action went from mediocre to outstanding to end February and start March. The big fish are sitting in the holes. Smaller fish over the deeper grass. Sheepshead at peak right now, we have seen some monster specimens. Not willing to bait hooks, I have left this option to others.
There are good concentrations of speckled trout if you know exactly where to go. We really haven’t had any problem getting on good numbers of larger trout.
Redfish are more scattered than dependable. Here one day, gone the next, locations farther north have yielded more fish.
Flounder were a big news item this week. The beginnings of the influx we had our first double digit day of flatties last week with many fish in the 15 inch size range.
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
