Good Weather means Good Fishing In Tampa Bay

The winds have finally laid down and the bite has really picked up. Water temperatures are back on the rise and hopefully we have seen the last cold front of the year. {%image_id=4219%} The "mack attack" is back and the mackerel are getting bigger. We have been catching plenty of fish in the 3-6 lbs. range using long shanked hooks baited with live sardines. {%image_id=4220%} Grouper and mangrove snapper are still in abundance at the Skyway Bridge. Baits of choice are pinfish and grunts for the grouper and small sardines and shrimp for the snapper. Most of these fish are being taken under the middle span of the bridge along its bumpers. {%image_id=4222%} On the subject of speckled trout, we are catching them just about everywhere. From the cuts along the mangroves around Cochroach Bay, to the grass flats near Piney Point and Bishop Harbor. The size is also on the rise with most fish measuring 16-18 inches and fat with roe (so please release the females.) Today we caught plenty of trout in the 20 inch an over range on the outside of the Clam Bar using small to medium sized pinfish under a cork. {%image_id=4223%}{%image_id=4221%} The snook and redfish bite has really turned on as well. The reds we've been catching are between 24-27 inches, landed mostly in the creek mouths and against the mangroves in the Little Manatee River. Try dead sticking sardines or free lining small pinfish. As far as the snook go, you chum (with live white bait) and they will come! As long as we don't see another cold front it's "game on" in your favorite snook hole! {%image_id=4224%}