By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

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.    This is probably pretty close to the most baitfish I have ever seen on the south shore.

 

The fishing has been pretty good overall, something that is fairly standard for the south shore.   Redfish have been decent.    From two years ago  “Accidental snook are not great but regular (if they were that good we would be catching 20 a day, not 20 so far this year. Also, the idiots across from me threw two back dead after like 50 photos of each fish. Likely female breeders looking pretty dead to me. Saying something did not achieve much. I would like to tell you that you should talk more about fish handling again like you and Captain Mel did for years. Thanks for what you do.”
Too bad the FWC doesn’t want to talk to the stakeholders on these matters.    Our panel assembled is ready to help them not make the same mistakes again.  44 people on the panel.  The best advisory panel ever assembled:  Sitting unused.

 

Flounder are gone.   Sorry.  But four trips and one flounder:  Do the math.   That will change in the future but this is either a normal outmigration or the worst case of lockjaw in the history of fishing.   The story remains:  Have they not come in yet or is this just a down year?

 

Trout:   Oddly, went berserk for a couple of weeks then “where did they go?”   Not in pattern for several years, they are hit or miss but certainly a target.

 

Pompano and mackerel:  Available all over down here.   We have had three 30 plus pompano day this past week.

 

The south shore is good.  It almost always is.    I just hope we can take care of it.  Overall our whole fishery is pretty good.  But people are hard on stuff.

 

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.

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.

Big news:   Kayak Fishing Skool for July 27:   6:30-7:45 PM   NEW LOCATION:  8th Avenue Pub, Safety Harbor.   This is a great move.   Now, food and drinks at Skool, we will have a great time here.   Best food in the county plus ANYTHING you could possibly want to drink

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
 

Neil Taylor
Latest posts by Neil Taylor (see all)

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR