Tampa Bay Sept. 6 Fishing Report
Hi everyone, I know it's been a while since my last report, I guess the dog days of summer are making me lazy. Really the truth is after a long Tarpon season I try to take a little time off and reorganize the equipment. I still have been out there quite a bit this summer, right through the heat of the summer. The fishing has been very good. The flat fishing was superb from July thru August. The inshore fishing has been good as well.
Fishing for Snook and Redfish has been as good as it's been all year, if not some of the best all year. I have more photos of large Snook we caught in the last two months than we caught the rest of the year put together. I always tend to catch large Snook this time of year. Not as many number wise but larger fish. That being said I still strongly oppose the opening of Snook season. Let's face it; it's nothing like it used to be. It could be though if the state would wise up and keep the season closed. I could argue this for hours or even write a book about it, but this is just my fishing report, that is for another time. Most of my larger Snook lately have been in the 30 to 36 inch class.
Tampa bay fishing charters report at www.captainmatt.com
Redfish are everywhere. Pretty much, if we are flats fishing we are catching Redfish. Right now, even when I'm not trying to catch them we are still catching them. Most of the Reds have been in the 20 to 28 inch class with a few larger.
Trout fishing has been picking up, but we are still catching a lot of small fish.
Offshore the Grouper and Snapper has been the best thing going. There are nice Mangrove Snapper everywhere. The bottom fishing for Red and Gag Grouper is also pretty good. Not a lot of monsters like in the spring but plenty of good eating size. Speaking of monsters we did catch a 300 pound Goliath Grouper a few days ago. I thought the fish was going to snatch my fisherman out of the boat. It was a great battle to watch; glad it wasn't me fighting it. Mackerel are also thick offshore, along with some Little Tunny. There are also a few Cobias around the wrecks right now.
Well that about sums it up. It's hot out there but so is the fishing. Stay cool and make sure you apply your sunscreen while on the water.
Capt. Matt Ercoli
941-447-9888
www.CaptainMatt.com
