What’s happenin’ in the upper stretches of Tampa Bay? The red tide out front, it is almost time for things to get a lot better way up the Bay.
Finally a little break in the weather! Nothing dramatic but with the regular rains and the sun taking a lower path across the sky, fishing opportunities are getting much better in the northern stretch of Tampa Bay! Opportunities will get better for fish that have been there all along and also for species that evacuate this part of the Bay for the warmest months.
Redfish are doing fine and going to become a target for the rest of the year and into spring. The vast areas of shallows in the upper stretches of Tampa Bay have great opportunities for targeting redfish. There are solid numbers of fish and except for some people taking more than what is legal, this has been a great situation for the species in 2013. If you see a poacher: Make a phone call.
Pompano cooled off but will become a great target again before the onset of winter. 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. On the bridges: Black drum and cobia have been caught on almost every pompano targeting trip. This has been steady bridge action up until a couple of weeks ago, but it will happen again before winter gets here.
Speckled trout may make their return this month. Some are already being caught but with the cooling waters of October, don’t be surprised if massive numbers of this species work their way past every bridge in the Bay. Great trout fishing will be had region-wide. It may be a little early for this part of the Bay, but it’s coming!
Jacks and ladyfish are still an option if you just want to get into some fast action. Large baitfish schools will remain in the Upper Bay for at least another month before a season change will send them deeper and/or offshore for the winter.
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 state does not agree. A huge contingency of the best respected fishing guides on the Gulf coast opposed their decision to reopen to harvest, make pleads over and over to get the decision reversed but were basically ignored. Do your part and try to give this species a chance to return to prominence regardless of their faulty data and poor decision making.
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
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
