What’s happenin’ in the upper stretches of Tampa Bay?

Algaic this time of year, the upper part of the Bay has a lot of opportunity right now:    Some big flounder can be caught way up the Bay.  The 12 SlamR on a 1/8 ounce jighead is catching these fish.   Not as hot as it was a month ago, you can still expect to score a couple of really quality flatties per outing in the Upper Bay.

Redfish are just not in the best numbers.   But there is a little more activity than there was earlier this year.  These fish are the most sensitive to noise and movement and the stealth angler has the advantage.   Long casts with light lines and leaders with soft-landing lures is the best bet.   The action ramped up a great deal in the past couple of weeks in this region and should be excellent for months to come.     Go early or go late for the best results:  The midday bite is dismal. 

Trout action remains decent, something that will likely continue in this part of the Bay for a while.   If trout is your game, you may want to look elsewhere for a couple more months.   Tip:  Go in the middle of the night. 

To come:  Pompano?    A lot of the fun in July and to start August has been with a very good dinner fish.     They are in the deep troughs, edges of boat channels and around bridge pilings and fender.   Use the Silly Willy in bright yellow and add a pink teaser.  But variations of yellow/pink and white are all acceptable.   In the teaser, it is best if there is some “flash” tied in.

 Bring a larger rod than you really need for pompano:  Black drum are thick at the big bridges, typical for this time of year.   Zero food value, black drum are beastly and a tough opponent on the “pompano tackle.”  The other big battle culprit at the bridges:   Cobia, which have been hooked or caught just about every time a pompano trip has been taken.   Bring along the right size cooler if you want to keep a legal size cobia.   

It is worth repeating, for the good of the species.   If you catch a snook:  don’t take it out of the water for eight minutes taking pictures.    Don’t “get a weight” of the fish.    Enjoy the species if you cross paths, but take extra steps to make sure those fish remain in the living population.  As the late Captain Mel used to say “The fish are our partners.”   We both believed that and they can really use our help right now.  

The great work of FWC officers to target felony netters and keep an eye on other recreational offenders has led to better fishing for us all.  Their continued efforts to catch felony netters are making the south shore region return as a great fishery again.   But help them out:  Keep your eyes peeled for illegal activity and make a call if you see poaching, 888-404-FWCC (3922).  Your tips will help make cases and you could be eligible for a reward.  

As always: Be careful out there!

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

Neil Taylor
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