December and January Report: Hope all had a Merry Christmas and a great New Year. Fishing the month of December was really good considering all the wind we had. Richard Eppling from NYC and I had several good days on fly despite the wind. We managed to catch two big reds on fly using a pinfish imitation, both over 15 lbs. using 8wt. rods and floating lines in 2 ft. of water. Alot of reds were tailing just before the full moon. Richard Topp and Adam White for NYC fished with me a couple of days this week. We had problems with the wind the 1st day so we went with live shrimp. We managed to catch over 40 reds on shrimp in 2ft. of water around mullet schools and oyster bars. January fishing should stay good thru the month with temps in the high 70's to low 80's. Water temp is coming up to the low 70's which will make the fish very active. Trout have started to show in numbers, along with the lady fish and jack.

With the wind we've been having it would be a good idea to bring a 9wt. fly rod along with your other rods. The spinning rods we have been using are 7-1/2 ft. to 8ft. light action with 8 lb. line using 16 to 20lb. Orvis Fluorocarbon leader and small Owner SSW 1/0 hooks. The water has been super clean and clear. Snook are starting to stick their noses out from their winter hiding places. Sheepshead are still around for the taking. Remember to book early for Spring Break and Tarpon season. Tight Lines and Bent rods. Capt. Dan

Fish Species: Red Fish
Bait Used: Live Shrimp
Tackle Used: light Tackle spin
Method Used:
Water Depth: 1 1/2 to 2 ft
Water Temperature: 72
Wind Direction: SE
Wind Speed: 5 th 10

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About The Author: Captain Dan Malzone

Company: Saltwater Outfitters Inc.

Area Reporting: Tampa,St. Petersberg, Clearwater, Bayport, Homosassa

Bio: DAN MALZONE : Started fly fishing in early 60's in fresh water and moved to saltwater late 60's. One of the front runners of fly fishing at Homossassa in 1975, where he learned the area from well known guide Capt. Gary Maconi and Norman Duncan ( Duncan Loop ). Three time winner of the MET fishing tournament fly division for mackerel, trout , mutton snapper. Two time IGFA world record holder for tarpon on fly(8 LB.and 12 LB.), also guided Dr. Clyde Balch to new IGFA world record for tarpon on fly (12 LB.) Guided wife to winning Hillsborough Tarpon Tournament for largest tarpon ladies division , overall tournament champion , most releases and combined weight champion and IGFA world record speckled trout on 6 LB. Tippet. Flies have been featured in the Orvis catalog , Tying Comtemporary Saltwater Flies by David Klausmeyer and Saltwater Fly Fishing from Maine to Texas by Don Phillips.Member of the IGFA, Florida Outdoor Writers Association, Florida Keys Guides Association, Miami Rod & Reel Club, CCA. Sponsored by Mercury Mariner Marine, Maverick Boats and is an Orvis endorsed guide for the west coast of Florida.

813-831-4052
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Dan Malzone