A quick update on the fishing by kayak around Tampa Bay:  Like the weather, the fishing is HOT (but only if you are in the right places).   Honestly, I’ve never seen worse fishing conditions in specific locations in northern Pinellas county, locations that would be my “regular choices” for great fishing most of the year.  Just dreadful.    I won’t go there anymore.

Elsewhere, the fishing is strong.   I got the largest tip in ten years the fishing was so good for Todd and Kimberly.     They threw topwater lures all day.     Ironically, it was better three days earlier.    We had one day in between where it was decent but not great.    These are upper slot trout with some over 20 inch fish mixed in.    Great fun on topwater lures.   For Todd and Kimberly a great day.     For John Veil, a solid day.      Throwing the Mirrolure C Eye Poppa Mullet.   The other Mirrolures are good but that popping head on this bait means you don’t have to work it as hard.   The fish like it.

Famous for my fish spread the Spanish mackerel finally became an easy option.     Hit areas with deeper moving water and diving birds.     Beef up your leader.   40# isn’t a bad option.   With 30# you will lose some tackle.      Move lures fast.     They fight good.     Put them on the smoker for two hours.    Mix with the mayonnaise, chopped olives, onion and jalapeno peppers.     I have a chopping machine.   Push a button and it cuts this stuff up fine to put in the spread.   Basil, dill, cilantro, Worchestershire sauce and celery salt.    Voila, fish spread.   It is about getting the amounts right.      I try to have a little more fish than the other ingredients.     Put it on crackers, add hot sauce to your tastes and it is a great thing to serve to your guests.

All the other trips in the better locations produced good results.     Flounder are here but not in huge numbers.   I hope that changes in the weeks to come.     Big speckled trout are popping topwater lures.   Redfish.  Redfish are curious.   If you are out early, you have a short window to connect on lures.    For whatever reason, the midmorning bite has been slow.    Late afternoon has also been a great option but not nearly as good as the sunrise bite.    Best baits: The 12 Fathom Fat Sam Mullet in basically every and any color.   The Mirrolure Top Dog Jr for your topwater targeting.

The temperatures are heating up.   Pompano and big black drum are a great option.   The topwater bite is a great option.    Flounder, not quite yet but before long flounder targeting should be worthwhile.    Never caught an 80 pound fish?   This is your chance.     Using pompano jigs and teasers, big drum are easy IF you have the technique.   It is a chore to get them away from the pilings.

Give a shout if you would like to get on the schedule!

May 24 is Kayak Fishing Skool!. As usual, there will be a raffle at the end of the session, brought to you by Strike Three Kayak Fishing sponsors.   To be added to the email database for reports, feature articles and seminar announcements send an email to Livelybaits@aol.com and request to be added to the list.

As always: Be careful out there!

Neil Taylor
www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345
LivelyBaits@aol.com

Neil Taylor
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