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With the blazing heat and summer thunderstorms of August behind us, inshore and near shore fishing will now begin to improve steadily over the course of the next few months. Redfish typically highlight September action. On strong high tides, redfish should be foraging up along mangrove shorelines and, with a little luck, larger schools of these fish will take up residence behind Caledesi and Honeymoon Islands. Even the temperature tolerant redfish tend to bite a bit less aggressively during summer's heat but, as temperatures moderate, daytime activity will improve. Tampa Fishing Charters will also target redfish at night to beat the heat. Look for higher tides after hours as peak times to snare a few redsfish. These fish will be on the same structures that they frequent during daylight hours. Make sure to check any lighted docks with decent water depth as occasionally, you'll find fish rushing through the lit area eating the swirling bait balls that can be drawn to these lights. If fortunate enough to find a dock like this, give all terminal tackle a good check before casting as these fish are sure to hit...possibly one after another. Tampa Fishing Guides are aware of another great fishing opportunity that presents itself this time of year...the chance to catch the out-sized bull redfish that return from the sea to near shore locations to spawn. Most of this activity occurs near major passes. The key to landing one of these big boys is to use large baits (grunts of pinfish), be patient and put lots of chum in the water. Dropping a chum bag in conjunction with cutting up live whitebait or pinfish will bring these big fish to the stern of the boat if they are in the area. Tampa fishing for these bruisers usually lasts into November. Like catching any trophy sized fish, accept the fact that no fish may be caught...but if one or two are, they'll be "fish of a lifetime".
Snook fishing held up this year into the beginning of August but, as typically happens after these fish spawn out, they begin to disperse and become less aggressive. Fish can still be caught in their summer beach locations but actions is slower and, even when fish are hooked, there's no assurance that fish will turn on and deliver multiple bites as in early to mid summer. Nevertheless, catching snook is exciting and it's still worth a try when tides are running strong. Free lined grunts and whitebait are the favorite baits of most Tampa Fishing Guides.
Tampa Fishing for seatrout is a year round activity but, until late November, many fish will be small. Larger fish are more likely to be found on beach locations such as swash channels, jetties etc. The best tactic is to secure a live well full of whitebait and chum aggressively when first arriving at a fishing location. If the bite is going to go off, trout should be seen coming to the surface and striking these chummed baits. Follow up by tossing a free lined whitebait out into the chummed area. This bait should be eaten fairly quickly. If activity isn't seen in ten to fifteen minutes, it's time to go. Trout aren't shy about eating if they are around so just move to the next location and try the same approach.
Towards the end of September, depending to some degree on water temperature, our fall run of Spanish mackerel should begin to show up. Once this happens, Tampa Fishing Guides know that heading to near shore reefs with a mountain of whitebait can lead to non stop action that makes for great family fishing. As fall progresses, more species typically show up including kingfish, bonita, barracuda and, in some years, a strong push of mangrove snapper. Late October and November will also have gag grouper pulling close to shore to eat the abundant threadfin herring and pinfish that take up residence off the beach. Long story short...things will only get better as fall approaches. Good luck and good fishing.
This Fishing Report was submitted on 6/5/2013 11:11:06 PM by and last updated on 6/5/2013 11:11:06 PM.
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