South Tampa Bay Fishing Report!
Both air and water temperature are dropping as we near early winter! Cold fronts are more frequent and harsh. Fishing is great this time of year especially fishing around the fronts and barometer change. Water temperature can be a big factor in deciding what species to target!
You can expect to catch good numbers of Snook through the end of the year or until water temps hit the 60's. The key is to know what type of bait to use and where they like to go for the winter. Snook love to make their ways to the rivers, creeks, and docks as water is usually warmer in these areas. My favorite bait for early winter is Greenbacks, but bait can be a bit hard to find.
Redfish are still showing on the flats but with winter low tides upon us some days you may never have enough water to get on the flats. Winter time reds can be great for waders. On extreme low tides these fish will go into potholes and they will stay until the next high tide. This is a great time for artificial baits. Other options for people that don't want to get out of the boat are docks. Docks are loaded with reds in the winter. Shrimp with a small split shot or a free line bait, depending on the depth, is a deadly combo.
Trout are plentiful this time year especially when the temperature drops. Artificial baits are great for Trout. I like to use the 1/8 ounce jig head on shallow flats and ¼ ounce jig heads on docks and deeper flats. Colors are a personal preference. I personally like the white Gulp Shrimp! If you like live bait you can't go wrong with shrimp.
Captain Jason Prieto is a native resident of Tampa and has fished Tampa Bay and its surrounding waters for the past 20 years. He is owner and operator of Steady Action Fishing Charters which is based out of lower Tampa Bay. To book a charter, you can reach him at 813-727-9890 or www.steadyactionfishingcharters.com. If you would like to catch him on the radio tune into Outdoor Fishing Adventures Saturday mornings from 7AM to 9AM on 860 WGUL talk radio. Tight lines!!!!
