After another busy week on the water, I’m probably a couple of pounds lighter from the experience. Without a doubt, anyone fishing this time of year has to take plenty of fluids with them to drink. It’s very hot and muggy and one can easily get dehydrated. Water temperatures are very high. The best bites have been on days when heavy rains have fallen off the coastline and cooled the water a little.
Redfish have been on the outer flats at dead low tide and cooperative early in the evening. The fish in the morning have been schooled up in decent numbers and have fallen victim to the 3″ Producto shad tail in rootbeer/silver glitter or pearl white. In the roots, best redfish action has been on shorelines with baitfish nearby and seagrass just out from the shorelines.
Massive bait schools have been stacked up on various channel edges this week. Pelicans and other birds will give away these bait school locations. You can find a wide variety of predators taking advantage of this situation. Cobia, mackerel, ladyfish and sharks are a few of the fish that may bend if you make some casts into this fray.
Two words: Pompano mayhem. Out of the normal routine, the kayak fishing for pompano has been excellent in the past two weeks. Their arrival, pretty much right on schedule, the Silly Willy with a teaser setup has connected on three species every single outing: The desired pompano; the coveted cobia and the dreaded drum. OK, so it is not the end of the world to have the rod bent by big ugly drum but they are big enough where you will lose some tackle if you cannot move them off the bottom and away from the pilings. A glut of 30 to 50-pound drum, one fish was caught that was pushing 90-pounds.
The pompano have been a great size. They are probably one of my most favorite of all species to target, evidenced in this article on POMPANO from last week. The cobia have been about “two a day” by-catch while targeting the pompano. Average size has been about 35 inches but some much larger cobia have been hooked. Location, location, location: The cobia are usually hooked when the Silly Willy-Teaser are literally right up against the bigger bridge pads, downcurrent side.
July 28 Kayak Fishing Skool
6:30 to 7:45PM Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure (Pinellas Park)
“Capture”. Tips in finishing the catch and proper fish handling. 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: Capmel.com Radio, 8 to 9AM Sundays on 1040 “The Team”
Poachers are common thieves. See a poacher, report a poacher! If you suspect a wildlife or boating law violation, report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Reward Program: 888-404-FWCC (3922). Cell phone users can reach us at *FWC or #FWC, depending on your service provider. Most cell phones allow users to send text messages directly to an email address. You can text Tip@MyFWC.com ; standard usage fees may apply.
Supply as much detailed information such as the location of the offender, the boat description, number of people on board, clothing, vehicle information and give the dispatcher your phone number. Do this discreetly. You do not want to have direct contact with these people.
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.
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
