It is already August and so far no major R~~ T~~~ outbreaks reported. Notice I was careful not to say the words, because overconfidence can return to bite you in the you know what. Some anglers are reporting dying baits on early morning flats and backcountry areas. One consideration could be low oxygen content wherever low tides lasted through the night. As water, temperatures climb its ability to hold oxygen diminish drastically. Therefore, some backcountry flats and pools may contain oxygen-depleted water, based on the lack of tidal flow and water temperature.
As usual, August remains hot without any degree of relief at lease for another couple of months. In spite of the heat, anglers willing to endure high temperatures and humidity can look forward to catching plenty of fish. From Mackerel to Tarpon everything is cooperating eating just about anything tossed in their direction.
Snook… season remains closed until opening day September 1 when the minimum size increases from 26 inches to 27 inches with the new "Total Length Measurement" law taking effect July 1, 2006 for more information about this new method of measuring fish go to this website:
(http://myfwc.com/marine/fishing_measurement.htm)
Snook, Redfish and Trout… remain strong through the summer. Snook seem to be everywhere especially around the flats and mangrove shorelines willing to take greenbacks tossed in their direction. Speaking of greenbacks, they are everywhere and the young fry are starting to appear. This means trout, trout, and more trout on deep water grass flats.
Redfish action throughout the bay seems consistent with plenty of slot fish waiting to tug on your line. With the exception of trout, both snook and redfish usually haunt the same areas often cruising open flats and sandy patches early then moving into the mangrove shade during the day.
Snook and Redfish areas include the southeast shore from and including the Alafia River to Joe Island. Weedon Island, Picnic Island, Simmons Park, Bishop Harbor, Miguel Bay, Tierra Verde, Pass a Grille and Boca Ciega and throughout the inter-coastal waterways.
Up in North Tampa Bay, check the many open water flats from Double Branch and Rocky Creek to Weedon Island. Culbreath Isle flats offer good trout, mackerel and Jack Cravelle action. Look for what many refer to as broken bottom flats. This grass flats where plenty of sandy potholes appear in the grass. Fish these with either live bait or artificial lures.
Anglers favoring artificial lures should try topwater action with lures like the new MirrOLure Series III S7MR or the Top Dog 74MR, Top Dog Jr. 84MR. Alternatively, the Top Dog Pup 94MR on early morning flats. Later in the day, soft plastic jerkbaits baits like the favorite Old Bayside Shrimp or 4" Shadlyn rigged using their new 1/16 or 1/8 oz. heavy hooks practically assure success.
Cobia… markers and sandy flats equal Cobia. These fish often frequent markers especially those holding Threadfins. They also cruise the miles of open grass flats following rays or manatees always on the lookout for a quick snack. When fishing open water flats, always have a rod and reel rigged for cobia, you never know when one might slide by. When fishing markers, keep a chum bag out you never know what might show up.
Tarpon… fishing should continue this month. Many begin moving offshore to spawn some. Threadfin Hearing, crabs, larger greenbacks are all over Tampa Bay and work very well for tarpon. The Skyway Bridge, Anna Maria and St. Pete Beaches, and Egmont Key should be holding plenty of fish this month. Upper Tampa Bay usually gets its share of Tarpon this month. Check of rolling fishing along the causeway and bayside bridge.
Mackerel… fishing is on fire and Tampa Bay is loaded and fishing August should be no exception. Just find schools of threadfins, net a few, put out a chum bag, and hold onto your rod and reel. Reports coming in of catches in the 5 and 6 pounds range. This means some real excitement on spinning tackle using wire leaders and long shank hooks.
Capt. Woody Gore has fished Florida for over 50 years and offers professionally guided fishing charters in and around the Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Clearwater, and Tarpon Springs.
If you are interested in booking a trip, please visit his website WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM or call 813-477-3814.
