We are all hoping for consistent daily rains, plenty of cloud cover and some dropping of the water temperatures around Tampa Bay. Floating weeds have been a perpetual problem for the past two weeks. Those same weeds have also led to some redfish and snook catches. With all the heat, these fish have been laying under the mats of weeds that are blown up against a shoreline. If a lure can be kept weedless, they have been willing to dart out from under these weed mats to eat them.
The incredible stretch of heat made for tougher than usual fishing conditions. The evening trips provided some relief as the morning trips were very hot from about 7:30AM onward. At night in upper Tampa Bay the bioluminescence was a beautiful sight. Fish darting around looked like rocket fueled lasers. The sweep of the paddle also created beautiful fluorescent green puffs.
Back on the bridges, pompano are not as easy as I hope they will be. Although we are catching a few, last year it was July and August when we were catching pompano easily. The rig: The yellow Silly Willy with a pink teaser (with a small bit of white flash). Pompano are exceptional eating. Make sure you familiarize yourself with what a permit is. The limits are different.
Flounder are just not very good. A departure from the past three years, they just never really got going this year.
Other trips were postponed due to winds, weather or circumstances. Winds around thunderstorms ended some attempts to go. Poor tides on other days were preserved as scheduled “days off.” One thing is for sure: When the tides and weather were both good, the fishing was very good. A mix of species caught: Redfish, snook, cobia, ladyfish, jacks, trout and flounder.
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 handlingAs 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
