What a great winter to be in Florida. The rest of the country's been freezing their hind ends off when here in sunny Florida we're in shorts, flops and T-Shirts… catching plenty fish. The fishing around Tampa Bay's been decent for the winter months with plenty of nice catches including Redfish, Snook and Trout. We've had some of the biggest Yellow Tail Jacks this year. Fishing reports include many fish exceeding the 20 lb. class. If you've never targeted big Yellow Tail Cravelle's you're missing some great light tackle fun. The power of these large fighters is amazing and guaranteed to make you cry uncle.
Fishing the bay area this winters been almost like spring. Bait was on the flats until about a week ago and will be found not far in a little deeper water. Winter is always a good time to try your hand at artificial lures. Many anglers who never experience the thrill of targeting Snook, Redfish and Trout with artificial lures don't know what their missing. It's fun, exciting and helps you develop a skill that is never lost. Die-hard artificial anglers will tell you anyone can catch fish with live bait… let's see how good you are with plastic. Once you're hooked (pardon the pun) you'll love it. It's fishing at its best, pitching your lure into that perfect spot working and watching with heightened anticipation knowing something is getting ready to explode on your lure. If you're not sure about it… give it a try and like I've said in many articles… "Leave the live bait at the bait shop" if you bring a crutch you'll surely use.
Snook (Closed Season December 15 through January 31)
If live bait is your choice, shrimp always fished on a free-line or under a Paradise Popper usually entices Snook to bite. Artificial's always work when fished correctly. Remember in the winter… not too fast. Topwater lures always produce on early mornings. Snook cannot resist a walk-the-dog lure on a calm morning flat. Sub-surface sinking or suspending lures work exceptionally well in deeper water and of course soft plastics using at least a 1/8 oz jighead always produce good action during the winter.
Redfish continue eating anything tossed in their direction especially the smaller rats. Grass flats with broken bottom, submerged oyster bars and mangrove shorelines are good starting points. Again, artificial's work for Redfish like Snook. Cut baits, small pinfish and dead-sticking stinky baits will usually attract the attention of Redfish. Try suspending stinky baits, cut of mullet or chunk of crab under a Paradise Popper letting it sit still in the water. You'll be surprised at the results.
Where to fish for Snook and Redfish in Tampa Bay: You will find them almost everywhere southeast shore including the Alafia River, Picnic Island, Simmons Park, Bishop Harbor, Joe Island down into Bradenton and Sarasota. Good fishing around Weedon Island, Fourth Street, Cypress Flats, Rocky Point, Double Branch, and Culbreath Isle Flats. The Inter-coastal, Tierra Verde, Pass a Grille and Boca Ciega offer good Snook fishing, especially at night around the docks and bridges.
Spotted Sea Trout are readily found around deepwater flats on strong tides. They eat shrimp, pinfish, and greenbacks. A Paradise Popper proves deadly in catching nice Trout when rigged with shrimp, either live or artificial. Try bouncing a soft plastic jig off the bottom but remember the bite always comes as the bait falls, so don't be surprised to have a fish on just after the lure hits the water. Don't be surprise if you catch a Flat Fish (Flounder) will fishing the pot holes.
Look for hard sandy or rocky broken bottom flats (grass flats with plenty of potholes) around Picnic Island, Simmons Park, Bishop Harbor, Joe Island down into Bradenton and Sarasota. Upper Tampa Bay sports good fish around Weedon Island, Fourth Street, Cypress Flats, Rocky Point, Double Branch, and Culbreath Isle Flats.
Cobia Don't be surprised to sea a one on the back of large Rays and Manatees. As the waters cool you should see them around the hot water discharges of power plants. But don't think you're going to be alone in these areas… there will be plenty of boats to keep you company. Large shrimp on a ¼ oz. jighead normally does the trick. But small or chunk crab also works.
Sheepshead are everywhere during the winter months right through March. Tough, toothy, boney mouths mean aggressive hook sets. Try fishing for these great fighters around markers, bridge fenders, docks, seawalls, rock piles, oyster bars or practically any type structure. Shrimp and fiddler crabs always produce, but green mussels and oysters also work. I like oysters and mussels the best and so do Sheepshead. Don't forget to smash the shells into small pieces in your bucket using it for chum. It really gets them going.
"GIVE ME A CALL & LET'S GO FISHING"
For information or to book trips call Capt. Woody Gore at 813-477-3814 Cell or 813-982-2034 Office, visit his website at WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM or Email him at wgore@ix.netcom.com. Guiding and fishing Florida waters for over 50 year's and the results are always the same "Memorable Fishing Adventures." Single or Multi-Boat Charters & Company and Corporate Events Specialist.