The Tampa Bay Times

Obviously we have had some pretty turbulent winds and weather over the last week here in the Tampa bay area. Nothing like what they are enduring in South Florida. However, the inshore waters are surprisingly clear although not too far from shore the water begins to get a little murky. We have had some consistent north winds over the last few days ushering in drier cool air but not allowing the waters to clear up completely. Redfish were starting to respond on the flats prior to last week, eating voraciously throughout the incoming and outgoing tides. Live pinfish under a float or cut baits such as mullet and ladyfish were getting hook ups fairly quickly when fish were located. They seem to be schooling around the stronger moon phases, typical for this time of year. Snook are leaving the beaches and transitioning to the back country, staging along some of the small islands in the intercoastal waterway. Especially along the mouth of the rivers and bays eastward along the main shore. Bait remains very plentiful and is easy to catch early in the morning while chumming. It had been gathering along the beaches however the stronger winds this week has prevented me from netting bait along shore. As things calm down in the next few days, I expect there to be great fishing with the cooler weather. Inshore species and nearshore species such as mackerel and kingfish should be just around the corner.  

Brian Caudill
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