http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/Captain-s-Corner-Summertime-pattern-on-the-way-back_169678851
The summertime heat is in full swing. Looks like we will finally get back to our summertime pattern with the rain this week. Winds should be shifting from the West back to coming out of the East. We could use the rain over the water in the afternoon. This could help bring the water temperature down over night. It is currently sitting around 90 degrees. You will only be able to spend the first couple of hours of the day on the flats with water temperature this warm. After that, you will need to follow the fish to deeper water where it is cooler. The snook bite has been the best on the outgoing tide. Look for them to be in deeper holes in the passes and beaches. Scaled sardines are the bait of choice and can found everywhere throughout the bay. Surprisingly, some big speckled trout are being caught in 6 feet of water on the outgoing tide. We caught quite a few 26-inch fish this past week. Freeline a scaled sardine and in no time, you could have your limit. Mangrove snapper can save a fishing day when it just gets too hot on the flats. The shipping channels and bridges are holding some nice fish. Scaled sardines fished with a knocker rig will do the job. Remember, just use enough weight to get it down to the bottom.
Mike Gore charters out of Tampa Bay. Call him at (813) 390-6600 or visit tampacharters.com.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
