Friday was a great example of what Tampa Bay has to offer. Typical start to Captain Steve's day on the water is heading for bait starting no later than 5:30 am. Most clients would rather have bait already on board then spending time catching bait. While the time doesn't count as part of the charter many clients would rather sleep in a little. Some anglers especially kids love watching me catch bait and most end up playing in the live well. Local anglers often want to learn the art of tossing a net which I am more than happy to teach. It's a pleasure gathering white baits or big threadfins (for Tarpon) as both the lower Tampa Bay flats and Skyway Bridge are loaded.
While running to the beaches for morning snook and Tarpon we found Bonita aka little Tuny balling up bait into an amazing frenzy. My anglers quickly cast Clark spoons into the mix and the action was instantaneous. Bonita are amazing fighters and make awesome drag screaming runs. A light drag is all that's needed as the Bonita are out in the open and away from any structure that may cut them off.
The areas I had seen Tarpon rolling on the surface the last week was void of any Silver Kings. While the Tarpon may have been hiding snook just off the beaches were eager to play. My custom T Tower by Sanchez Bothers in Ruskin pays for itself when looking for snook on the gulf beaches. Snook are very visible cruising the shoreline from atop the tower.
The monster Redfish bite is still on. Thursday they would not chew or were gone but Friday they were back with a vengeance. Again all the redfish were over 28" with most 30-32". Amazing battle with these big bruisers.
It's a great time to be on the water in the Tampa Bay region. If these options don't get your blood pumping try another sport.
Captain Steven
