Lots of stuff closed, pompano and flounder are about the only things that could be cooler bound.   Pompano, just not great this year.   A real disappointment after two outstanding years.   This year just hasn’t worked out.   Redfish, trout and snook are closed.  

If you catch a snook:  don’t take it out of the water for eight minutes taking pictures.    Don’t “get a weight” of the fish.    Enjoy the species if you cross paths, but take extra steps to make sure those fish remain in the living population.  As the late Captain Mel used to say “The fish are our partners.”   We both believed that and they can really use our help right now.   Snook are better but a “recovery” is still years away.    Personally, I want to see a lot of big snook again.   It’s not anywhere near 2009 conditions.  

The lower Bay, probably more steady, predictable and productive as anywhere on Earth.     The fishery survives the pressure of poaching, a lot of anglers and just continues to be a great location to go.   Not as good as years past but still better than other areas of the Bay.  

Flounder are still one of the best reasons to go to the south shore.   The action was better in the spring but with the right location, catches of quality flounder are practically guaranteed.   The 12 Fathom line of lures, any of them, bounced on or just above the bottom will yield many flounder.   Sand:   That is where they live.    Any patch of sand whether it is surrounded by grass, bordering rocks has opportunities for flounder.   They are habitual:  When you find them in a location, go back there in the future.   Just not as good as it was years ago.   But, hit them right, some good ones can be caught.

Redfish action just hasn’t been great.   A few but not a lot if you catch one, you’re fortunate.    Redfish need help.     

Speckled trout action has been decent but will get much better with shorter days that are nearing.   If you really want to catch bigger trout, fish from sundown to 1AM.   The darkness seems to be when the best opportunities for bigger trout exists.   They will become less nocturnal as the water cools.   That is still several months away.   

The lower Bay just continues to be great opportunities.    Again, 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.  

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
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