Tampa Bay Fishing Report September 2010
Like other parts of the south, Tampa Bay fishing can also struggles through the summer, especially when the water temperatures top out around 90-94 degrees. The fish still eat, but it seems you never catch the numbers like spring and fall. Anglers able to stand the heat are doing better on stronger tides and currents. We’ve been finding a good bite during summer months in the deeper cooler waters. Greenbacks, threadfins, small pinfish, sardines and shrimp always catch fish, but for some real excitement try tossing an artificial lure during the early mornings before the water heats up.
Speaking of bait; I would be remiss not to mention that in an already crowed fishing community, especially on weekends and holidays means plenty of anglers boating around the flats looking for bait. Consider keeping your distance from others already throwing on bait. It often takes from 15 to 30 minutes to get the bait within range, and someone motoring around to close scares the bait, raises the fury of a fellow angler, and usually leads to an exchange of irritated words…not a pleasant way to start the day.
Snook(Still Closed):As water temperatures rise later in day expect to find snook in deeper passes, washes, docks, and holes tight to structure. Greenbacks are the bait of choice around the bay. However, those who prefer artificial actions should try topwater lures early on shallow broken bottom flats. Night snook fishing always proves successful around docks and bridges often resulting in a nice surprise when one of the big ones gets hungry.
Redfishseem on schedule this year and the bite should continue into September with plenty of action as larger schools begin showing up. Good grass flats with sandy potholes and mangrove shorelines hold redfish. Greenbacks and dollar size pinfish always temp hungry Redfish;however, something stinky on the bottom is hard to resist. For this, try pieces of cut mullet, crab, threadfins, pinfish or ladyfish. Using dead baits often requires something most anglers never carry in the tackle box…“patience”.
Sea Troutaction especially, on the deepwater flats and strong current days isbooming. They’re eating shrimp, pinfish, and greenbacks alongdeeper flats, with good moving water. Larger fish seem to cruise early morning flats looking for an easy meal. Tossing a 7M MirrOlure or Top Dog Jr. often produces some real topwater excitement.
Cobiaseems to be fairly plentiful this summer, around the bay. They usually show up on the back of large rays or manatees or just cruising open water. Particularly attracted to structure, especially those holding bait, so always check the buoys and keep an eye out when Mackerel fishing. They tend to pop up at the most inopportune time.
Tarpon at the Skyway, Gandy and Howard Franklin bridges should still produce especially early mornings or nighttime in the light lines. A few should still cruise the deep drops of any flat holding bait.
Mackerel, Bluefish, Snapperactions is still strong with giants chasing any shinny artificial lure or spoon and always takelive baits. Just look for pods of threadfins, tie on your favorite lure or net some live bait, put out a chum bag and hold onto your rod and reel. For some reason, they seem to shy away from wire leaders. Try using 60 lb.Seaguar fluorocarbon leader with a Daiichi long shank #2 or #3 hooks. Free line the baits in the current with a #3 split-shot weight.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.
Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done. Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814.
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