Tampa Bay, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater & St. Petersburg

Picky Eaters Maybe it's the cold front we just had pass through or maybe it's the fact that I ran out of all of my favorite lures and just used some stuff I bought in the bargain bin at Fisherman's World this week. The fish have been eating so well for the past few weeks that I figured I could get away with using a bottle cap with hooks on it if I had too. I guess that's not the case. I'll be heading back up there to get the good stuff this weekend during their "Fishing Frenzy Sale" I guess.   I had only one Mangrove Red colored Exude RT slug in the whole boat and it drew all 8 strikes for me before it was finally destroyed. Nothing else could entice a bite. If I was stranded on a sub-tropical island that had shallow grass flats surrounding it, and I could only have one lure, that would be my choice. Not only have I caught the most fish on it, but all my personal bests were caught on it. I caught a 53" Redfish in Mosquito Lagoon on one, a 44.5" Snook in upper Tampa Bay on one, and a 31" trout in the Indian River on one. Anyway... I'll do my best to make sure I never run out again.   I was fishing in New Port Richey again today to get ready for some up coming charters. I was poking around in more nooks and crannies that I haven't hit before and also checking on one spot that's been holding some big trout. The trout were still there and the redfish were everywhere. However, like I mentioned before, they were picky eaters.   There are redfish on nearly every flat between the Anclote River and Hudson. I'm finding most of them in lass than 1.5' of water and they are hanging on the edges of mullet schools. One thing i did notice today was that they were bunched up more than they had been in the past few weeks. Maybe this cold front schooled them up as I pushed 3 separate schools of 75 fish ore more.   If you're looking for reds in this area, just get on your trolling motor and go. If you start pushing fish, slow down and work the area real hard.  They will settle down and chew for you, once you find them, as long as you slow down and don't make too much noise.   Christmas is coming and I usually go see my family for a week and then go deer Hunting for a week. For the first time in 10 years I am staying home. I'd like to spend some of that time fishing with you guys so if you're going to be around during your Christmas vacation, book a charter with me and we'll tear into some fish.