What’s happenin’ in the upper stretches of Tampa Bay?
Action? Action is great. The heat of summer subsiding, the fish are happy. Very happy. It seems like it is early but actually, it is right on time. It’s arriving to October. The shadows stretching farther and farther north, the days are shorter and before too long a cold front will really actually mean colder air.
Redfish are a winner. Black drum are a winner. Pompano, I actually haven’t tried. It’s great in other locations I don’t actually know if they went all the way up the Bay this year.
The other species are nothing exotic. Bluefish, mackerel, ladyfish and jacks provide some sizzle to your reel drags even if they aren’t your real targets out there. Cobia have been hooked nearly every day on the bridge trips for pompano.
Pompano: Use the same thing I have told you for years- yellow Silly Willy and a pink teaser. Sounds like a broken record but I can’t tell you anything else that works better. If they’re there, that will get them.
Big black drum are caught on those bridges as well. Some approaching 100 pounds, I caught one that was probably getting up to that size a couple of weeks ago. Released and not having anything to really compare it to, I would say the fish was close to record size but probably “not quite there.”
Trout. No. Flounder. No. There are the regulars to UTB, jacks and ladyfish and the bluefish were a surprise a couple of times but it is primarily reds in the shallows; cobia, drum and pompano at the piling. I am definitely looking forward to what October has to offer!
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
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
