Redfish, snook and spotted seatrout have been the name of the game during recent visits to Bishop Harbor off southern Tampa Bay.
We have taken slams at that location over the past three outings. Fishing along the northeast side of the harbor, we've landed snook to 26 inches, redfish to 28 and spotted seatrout to 16 on Rapala Skitter Walks and plastic-tailed jigs. Most of the action has been around mangrove islands during the incoming tide.
The area also has been producing ladyfish, jack crevalle, mangrove snapper and flounder.
Trout also are prominent over and around grass patches throughout the harbor.
At high tide, we've been paddling out the mouth of the harbor into southern Tampa Bay. There we like to fish the sand bars and have been experiencing good sight-fishing for redfish and small sharks. We've taken reds to 28 inches and bonnethead shark to 36 on plastic tailed jigs and jerk worms. We've also been encountering spotted seatrout and pompano to 4 pounds.
With a change in weather (cooler) expected and good tides, we anticipate continued decent action over the next week or so.
In Sarasota Bay, we've been working deep grass flats on the east and west sides. Spotted seatrout to 21 inches, bluefish to 3 pounds, ladyfish, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel to 4 pounds and an occasional pompano are cooperating on topwater plugs, jigs and flies (Super Hair Clousers).
This action can be fast and is a lot of fun. It's especially good for novice anglers who just like to experience hits on every cast.
Redfish are on the flats. Snook can be found along mangroves on the flood tide. It's a good time for sight-fishing in north Sarasota Bay.