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Hooking Up Anglers Since 2011.
Last year, it was determined that the seatrout closure, which usually occurs in our region in January and February, would be lifted in 2013. It was believed that trout stocks could now withstand year round fishing. The size and quality of the trout being caught on most recent Tampa Fishing Charters confirms that those managing trout got this one right. Not catching a limit was an exception over the last month and, in many cases, double and triple limits were acheived. Also, more big trout have shown up this year than in recent history, with a six pound fish leading the way. One reason for the stellar fishing may be the sporadic availability of whitebait. Tampa Fishing Guides know that having these "magic bullets" in the baitwell is sure to improve the fish count on almost any winter day. Free-lining these baits with no bobber or weight is clearly the best approach although, for those unskilled in this technique, a bobber isn't a large negative. In this free-lined approach, the key is to manage slack line. Enough slack should be left in the line to allow the bait to swim naturally, yet not so much that a bite can't be detected. Also, when using this approach, since larger white baits can be a big mouthful for the average winter trout, it's best to fish open bail. If slack is managed correctly, the bait can be felt at all times. Most strikes are preceded by a very nervous bait. This is followed by a distinct thump...easily felt by anglers using braided line. This thump is either followed by a trout taking line or by the line going slightly limp. A trout hitting a bait angling away from the boat will take line while one eating a bait heading straight at the boat will throw slack in the line. In either case, with an open bail, the fish will have time to turn the bait around so that it can be swallowed head first..which is the way any fish wants to swallow any other fish. Whether the line goes slack or tightens up, the fish feels no resistance as, in the case where it pulls line, the angler releases the line and, since the bail is open, the fish feels no pressure. It happily swims off, turns the bait head first so it can swallow it and, in the process puts the hook in its mouth. Most Tampa Fishing Guides will wait a few seconds, click the bail over, reel down until pressure from the fish is felt, and then set the hook. This technique will catch twice as many fish as simply pulling immediately once a strike is felt. Trout fishing should remain strong well into the spring,,,as late as May...so no time is too soon to get out there and enjoy this banner crop of fish.
As March approaches and stronger tides return, Tampa Fishing Guides that have had the singular focus of targeting trout have started to think redfish again. With a mild winter, some of these hard fighting copper fish have already begun to show up. Tampa fishing Charters over the last week have yielded between one and ten redfish, with only one resulting in no reds at all. When water temperatures pass seventy degrees and stay there, it seems that redfish are willing to greatly broaden their menu...eating almost any type of protein that you put in front of them...cut fish of just about any variety as well as any crustacean. Before things warm up for good though, these fish seem to be intent on foraging for crustaceans...crabs and shrimp. As of this writing, fish are still showing a preference for shrimp over even the mighty whitebait, but this is soon to change. After this last early March puff of winter, it is likely that waters will be on a warning trend for good and the redfish will both increase in number and greatly broaden their menu choices. Tampa Fishing for redfish on low tides has focused on "plugging the potholes". Searching out potholes that are the first to fill on the edge of larger flats is a great approach. Pitching shrimp into these potholes will usually trigger a bite from a redfish that is parked there...as long as the pinfish don't beat it to the bait. As these are defined and typically small areas, keep moving and trying new holes as the bite should come fairly quickly. Also, as the tide moves in, follow it in to shallower potholes that fill. Another tactic used by some Tampa Fishing guides is to follow the mullet schools as they move in across a flat. Redfish will push up on the flats to feed with the movement of the mullet. As these mullets schools are highly visible, they often point out where the redfish will be. Throwing unweighted baits into these mullet schools will frequently produce. Watch carefully while approaching. You might even see a redfish tail waving above the surface.
Many of the areas that were too shallow to fish during the winter have come back into play now...shallow oyster bars, points of islands and mangrove shorelines. As high tide approaches, many Tampa Fishing Charters will stop trout fishing and go to the locations where these redfish come to feed. Again, shrimp is probably still the best bait but bobbered small pinfish and whitebait, as well as almost any cut fish bait (ladyfish, mullet and pinfish being top choices) will soon be all that is required. The beauty of cut bait is that pinfish have great difficulty removing this bait so, if fishing an open flat or mangrove shoreline, these baits will stay out and work for a long period of time. If fishing around structure, most Tampa fishing Guides will use a split shot to hold the bait in place, so a pinfish doesn't pick it up and run it around a mangrove root.
As if all the great trout fishing and upcoming redfishing isn't enough, Spanish mackerel will begin to invade nearshore waters in the next few weeks and shortly thereafter, bonito, shark and kingfish will join the mix. By late March, it is conceivable that up to 10 different species might be caught on a single trip. Dust off your gear and tune up the boat. Spring fishing action is about to start. Good luck and good fishing.
This Fishing Report was submitted on 6/5/2013 11:10:34 PM by and last updated on 6/5/2013 11:10:34 PM.
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