Sean Hagen

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!

Fish Species: redfish trout tarpon
Bait Used: arties
Tackle Used: light
Method Used: fan casting
Water Depth: 1-2.5
Water Temperature: 77
Wind Direction: no.
Wind Speed: 5-10
McDill flats
McDill flats

Chief Tilley
Chief Tilley


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Sean Hagen

About The Author: Captain Sean Hagen

Company: Shamrock Inshore Fishing charters

Area Reporting: tampa bay north and south shores

Bio: With over 30 years of fishing and guiding experience on Tampa Bay and South Florida waterways, landing trophy winning fish comes naturally to Captain Sean Hagen.

813 545-5639
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Sean Hagen