What’s happenin’ in the upper stretches of Tampa Bay?
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 drum 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? Follow hoving 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. The long hot summer coming to an end, it’s time to look to upper Tampa Bay again.
How? Take your pick. I use lures. The 12 Fathom Mullet is king. Trips this past week yielded about three dozen redfish on the mullet in this part of the Bay (over 70 fish total, on lures, mostly the mullet but also the Buzz Tail Shad). If using lures: Do you have the right rod? No time like the present for making changes.
Why? If you don’t like fishing: Why do you live here? Well, I guess: 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
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
