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Hooking Up Anglers Since 2011.
One of the most commonly asked questions when someone is booking a fishing charter is "What will we catch". During the the late spring and summer months, it's fairly easy to answer. Come fall, it's harder to say. Spring and fall are transition seasons when certain fish come and others go. Temperature drives these transitions. When water temperatures drop below 80, kingfish are a real possibility and fishing usually remains good until temperatures reach the high sixties. Gag grouper move in around seventy five degree and usually stay in close to shore until the mid to low sixties, then they too depart. So if one could predict the temperatures two weeks from now, answering the "What will we catch question" wouldn't be that hard. Add to this facts like Tampa Fishing for mangrove snapper fishing in 30 feet or less is excellent in late fall in some years and in others, it's non existent. On the bright side, there is so many fish coming and going that most days provide something to target with a good chances of success.
Immediately preceding the front caused by Hurricane Sandy, near shore grouper fishing was getting extremely good...logical due to the restrictions placed on grouper harvest earlier in the year. With water temperatures still hovering at 79 degrees, several Tampa Fishing Charters yielded limits of gag grouper in 20 - 25 feet. Considering that temperatures weren't even ideal yet for this fishery, prospects for the coming weeks are outstanding...but with the season closed as of October 31st, many anglers don't care. Catch and release fishing for excellent tasting fish that cost $18 to $20 a pound is a hard pill to swallow. Every cloud does have a silver lining however. There will be many fish holding on shallow structure in the next 6 weeks, making this year an exceptional year to find fish holding spots. Before water temperatures get down to the colder end of a grouper's range, Tampa Fishing Guides are in agreement that nothing beats a live pinfish, grunt or large whitebait. When using these baits, it never hurts to use fresh cut chum (pilchards and pinfish)as an attractant. In this shallow water, if chum is thrown far enough up-tide of the boat, it will reach the bottom directly under the boat and this is sure to draw in any self respecting grouper in the area. As grouper metabolisms slow with increasing cold however, it's usually a good idea to initiate fishing with frozen sardines to get the party started as this odor will help motivate marginally active fish to bite. For anyone who wants to do it, Tampa Fishing Guides will certainly run "sport" grouper fishing trips over the next month of so.
With early November now upon us and waters calming down after a week long blow from the northwest, the hope is that near-shore kingfish and mackerel are still in residence. Gulf temperatures dropped all the way to the bottom of the "kingfish" range in close to shore. Since it's early in the season, it is likely that these fish swam west and will return as near shore waters clear. Also, it's probable that there were still some fish coming from the north when this whether hit so there should be some still heading our way. A few days of calm or east winds will answer the question. Even considering all of the above, there will definitely still be fish further offshore where waters aren't so stirred up. Many Tampa Fishing Charters for kingfish will post up on a spot, drop a chum bag, liberally distribute live pilchards, and wait for the action. Mackerel will almost always be the first arrivals. If they are thick, make sure to have a few larger baits in the bait well, such as blue runners or ladyfish, that can be dropped back on a stinger rig under a balloon. These will discourage the mackerel and be in ready position for any kingfish coming into the slick.
Redfishing was also improving right in advance of the recent front. Inshore waters dropped to 64 degrees in the last week however, so these fish will need a few warmer days to recalibrate. Tampa Fishing Guides will just have to figure out where the fish have settled. Do remember that there is a real possibility of catching some exceptionally large redfish now as it's prime time for bull reds in this area. These fish are usually near passes and out on the beach side. Chumming and using larger whole or cut baits placed on the bottom is best. Inshore, oyster bar points and proven "redfish holding" mangrove shorelines will be productive on the higher phases of the tide. Potholes fishing will be effective on the low tides. Do remember that the colder it gets, the better docks become as a primary fish holding structure for redfish. Shrimp will also become the preferred bait.
Tampa Fishing for big seatrout is usually a late November to May phenomenon. These trout are paying closer attention to the thermostat than the calendar however so, with another breath of cold, they could show up in good numbers early. These quality fish will prefer bigger whitebait until it's gone so make sure to load up first thing. Fly-lining these baits is the most effective approach. Early season trout also respond very well to both plugs and jigs. Get out during the week when there's less pressure on the water as tossing lures allows for better water coverage and having wide open real estate to fish is much more enjoyable. Remember that trout fishing can be spectacular on days that have both strong tides and an approaching front so look for this opportunity and chances are limits will be found. Good luck and good fishing.
This Fishing Report was submitted on 6/5/2013 11:10:51 PM by and last updated on 6/5/2013 11:10:51 PM.
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