Tampa Wade Fishing Hot Spot For GI's

The other night I recieved a phone call from a ol'fishing buddy of mine, Will Tilley. Wills, a Chief in the U.S. Navy and a serious angler who dose alot of wade fishing on the flats around McDill A.F.B.. So, when Will extended an invitation to join him in a few hours of wade fishing, I told him to count me in. When it comes to wade fishing the McDill flats are hard to beat. Only military and authorized personnel are permitted to fish there. Also, a motor exclusion ordinance is strictly enforced. Which means there is virtually no fishing pressure. The result being a prestine fishing ground that offers endless angling opprotunities to both active and retired military. Our conquest to conquer fish began at 8am and wrapped up around 10am. During which time we worked the flats just west of Coon's Creek. By casting atificals(red and gold paddle tails on 1/8 oz. jigheads)we managed plenty of slot size reds and speckled trout on the incomming tide. A perfect way to start the day! In addition to redfish and trout the Chief and I spotted big numbers of large tarpon in the 100+lbs range.

These poons were rolling and crashing small fry bait just south of Ballist Pt., along McDills shipping channel and as close as 20ft. off the beach. All in all McDill can be an awesome place to fish and I urge all our angling servicemen and women to take advantage of her shores. Also, I would like to thank all military men and women for the hard job you do day in and day out. If it was not for your unwavering dedication and commitment to the protection of our freedom as Americans, it would be utterly impossible to enjoy such simple liberties as fishing with an ol' friend. And to all our servicemen and women overseas Isay: HOLD FAST BOYS AND COME HOME SOON!