Tampa Bay's Fishing Report January 2007
Here it is January 2007, so where did 2006 go, seems like the years just fly by anymore. As we get further into winter we can expect some colder weather which means the Snook have moved into their winter haunts. Sometime after the first cold snap they begin transitioning into rivers, creeks, deep estuaries or anywhere holding warmer waters. Other species also dislike cold water so be on the lookout for just about anything when targeting wintertime Snook.
Tides also, play an important role in wintertime fishing and like the warmer times moving water forces bait to swim making them easy targets. The first of an incoming or outgoing usually produces good results. So try planning your trips around good tidal movements but keep in mind not everyone has this luxury. Therefore whenever you get an opportunity to go fishing… just go.
Low winter tides are great times to explore new or not so new fishing holes you frequent on high water. Get out those waders, get in the water and walk around investigating the areas you can't see on high water. Make certain you take good mental notes or carry a small tablet making notes of oyster bars, troughs, washes, potholes, or structure you normally cannot see. Here is another idea you might consider… take a small digital camera and take photographs. Nothing says it like a picture. Now when fishing those good incoming high tides you'll have a better idea of where to fish and how to set up. Don't forget that rod and reel while you're out walking around, those deep holes you're finding probably hold some excellent fishing opportunities.
During the winter the bait often gets hard to find and even shrimp from you local bait supplier gets scarce depending on the winds. So why not take this opportunity to use or learn to use artificial lures. Just remember, when learning to fish artificial's never take live bait along. As with anything there are learning curves if you have bait use it. Making your self fish artificial's is the only way to learn. It's really not difficult and once you learn its very productive and plenty of fun.
Snook (Closed Season December 15 through January 31)
Artificial lures do well during the winter but plan on fishing deeper. Remember they go deep seeking warmer water. Topwater lures although loads of fun seem to work better when surface water temperatures are higher. Good choices include subsurface sinking or suspending lures. Soft plastics using at least a 1/8 oz jighead always produce during the winter. If live bait is your choice shrimp always entices a bite especially if they are hungry.
Redfish normally continue being active because the cooler water doesn't affect them like it does Snook. Grass flats with broken bottom, submerged oyster bars and mangrove shorelines normally hold hungry Redfish. Artificial's still work during the winter and for us diehard surface anglers they can't resist a surface walking topwater lure. Greenbacks (if you can find them), shrimp, dollar size pins, cut bait and patience do the trick.
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 action should go on the upswing with cooler water temperatures pushing them inshore. Fish strong tides around deepwater flats. They eat shrimp, pinfish, and greenbacks. Deeper flats, good moving water, and a Paradise Popper float from Old Bayside prove deadly in catching nice Trout. Especially when rigged with shrimp, either live or artificial. Soft plastics on a jighead always produce when bounced off the bottom. Remember, the bite always comes as the baits begin to fall, so don't be surprised to have a fish on just after the lure hits the water.
The same area producing Snook and Redfish also produce Trout. 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.
Sharks also frequent the warm water discharges this time of year so don't be surprise when you catch one while targeting Cobia.
Sheepshead will show up everywhere during the winter months. 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. You must be quick or the baits gone and you find yourself fishing on credit.
"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."