Tampa Bay Amazes

Tampa Bay Amazes

Tampa Bay has been adorned with Chamber of Commerce weather the last week. Warm sunny days with light winds are inviting. The trout bite continues Hot! Canals with dark muddy bottoms are holding an amazing amount of spotted sea trout. Trout fishing could not be easier, the rig is so simple a size 1 hook on a 15 pound fluorocarbon leader with a small split shot crimped at the hook works great. Just add a live shrimp and you are ready for action. Lures are very effective plus no mess; soft plastic baits are my number one choice. DOA Glo shrimp bumped across the bottom is always a good bet along with Love's lures 4" Slugger jerk baits in silver or motor oil colors are hard to beat. Work these lures slowly; nine times out of ten the trout will hit the lure as it sinks. Often you will only feel a tap or see your line tighten. Set the hook gently as trout have soft mouths. The snapper bite continues to be very good. Look for rocky areas in 7-15' of water and toss the same shrimp you used for trout. You will be surprised just what you may catch. Snapper are thick, Silver Trout are here, Sheep's head, Black Sea bass even grouper are in the action. Beef up your leaders to 25-30 pound test when moving into structure. Another bonus to this fishing is you don't have to hit the water until late morning, enjoy this beautiful Florida weather. Earlier this week we also found redfish to be steady in the deeper potholes around Weedon Island. Shrimp and cut ladyfish both worked, 1/0 circle hook or jig head is all you need.