What’s happenin’ in the upper stretches of Tampa Bay? It is good. It is about to get even better. We are SO close now.
Here it is: the onslaught of Fall. Things are going berserk. Pompano, mackerel, drum, ladyfish, jacks and cobia at the bridges. Redfish on the flats. Trout: Just a little early, you can still expect to catch one or two quality speckled trout out there.
When and where? Not as critical to be out before sunrise anymore, the bite is getting way better into the center hours of the day. Action? The bait is still here: Follow hovering birds and explosions for easy action. Go shallow for redfish, make long casts and cruise that lure more aggressively. You will see results when you get it right.
Pompano? There is a world record fish in the Bay. Shawn missed it. Jimmy King got a big one, just a pound short of the record.
For everything else: How? Take your pick. I use lures. The 12 Fathom Mullet is king. If using lures: Do you have the right rod? No time like the present for making changes. For flounder and trout, the SlamR. The Mullet is king for redfish but all species will eat it. Second choice for trout: A Mirrolure topwater.
Why? Because it’s fun. If you don’t like fishing: Why do you live here? Just kidding. You can enjoy the beauty without fishing. Read that again, “You can enjoy the beauty without fishing.” You, not me.
I’m going fishing.
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: Outdoor Fishing Adventures, 8 to 9AM Sundays on 1040 “The Team”
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
