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.   It was two months of “on fire”, action really slowed in this quarter moon phase.

Action for all species has been good, including the return of flounder (but not like the last three years, it just hasn’t been a huge flounder year); the surge in snapper but also good trout and redfish action.     With jacks, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel and there are a lot of piscatorial inhabitants in these waters.     Stated in the last four or five reports, the theme remains the same:    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 Mullet 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.     We hope for the best for all species with a looming red tide.   We are enjoying a full recovery from the flounder decimation in 2005.    It took years to rebuild that species.    Hopefully this bloom stays out of critical areas and subsides before too much damage is done to any species of fish.

The others:
Trout continue to be caught on every outing.   The evening bite has probably been better than the morning.  I haven’t tried it at night but I would guess it is very good.    #1 bait:  The 12 Fathom SlamR.    Gold is my favorite but color really doesn’t matter.     This is the same bait for flounder.

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.   Reds are better than they had been in two years.     New talk about a closed season on redfish:   My opinion, close them for as long as you want.   I haven’t killed a redfish in three and a half years.    Lots of other fish to keep, redfish are great and the more we have the better life is.   Best bait for redfish:  The 12 Fathom 3 inch Mullet.   All colors work.   Our bestseller is shimmer gold (gold top, white belly).   Clear gold is solid gold all the way through.    Pearl white is also a good one.    This lure works on trout and flounder.

The secret weapon:   The 12 Fathom Buzz Tail Shad.    When the other tails aren’t as popular with the fish, throw them a Buzz Tail.    The advantage:   The Buzz Tail throws off vibration.   The Mullet and the SlamR do not have this advantage.

Pompano and mackerel:  Available at the Skyway piers along with snapper.   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.   Pompano are the best bet really.    We have caught up to 40 in a single day.   Lots of “20 fish” days.    We finally had a tough day on pompano after two solid months of action.     The Pompano Jig with an Uncle Neil teaser is just killing them.    My custom teasers, pink with flash (lateral scale) built into the teaser fly.   You will catch 90% of your fish on the teaser.   You have to fight through some catfish.

Jacks, when they arrive, are in schools of one to three acres of fish.   When they hit a baitfish school, there is no mistaking it.  Ladyfish around but not as prevalent, when you have these large areas of water being blasted it is usually going to be jacks.    They will eat anything.

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!

Kayak Fishing Skool for August, a new location:  A great situation.     August 24th.   Efficiency in Kayak Fishing

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

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, a new location:  A great situation.     August 24th.   Efficiency in Kayak Fishing

Neil Taylor
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