2018: It has been cold.

What’s happenin’ in the upper stretches of Tampa Bay?
Tough times for anglers all over the region. Another tough set of January weather conditions. And just as I thought, the worse it got for all of us living here, the more opportunities at the top-of-the-Bay. In fact, the only strong reports have been in the upper stretches of the Bay. Lots of fish have pushed back to the most distant areas from the mouth of Tampa Bay to try to survive in a dismal weather pattern with cold fronts every few days keeping air temperatures low and bringing water temperatures down.
Redfish, trout, sheepshead and black drum: In the canals, under docks, eating whatever you can present to them that is either stationary or barely moving, this is something that has been done successfully and may continue to be a good choice UNLESS we hit a major warming trend that brings these fish out of their cold weather habits. There is a good forecast starting tomorrow and extending six days: But how much is needed to get things activated for catching fish on lures like normal?

The treasure lies in the adjustments. The people using lures will still be successful if they really pay attention to technique. Lures worked rapidly will get nothing. It is good in the upper Bay and it is going to get better. I expect great opportunities through June. But I expect a hotbed of action with just a little bit of Spring winning out over this dreadful weather we have had since late December.

See ya the next time around. As always: Be careful out there!

At the request of my contemporaries, “keeping the message alive”: If you catch a snook: don’t take it out of the water for eight minutes taking pictures. Don’t “get a weight” of the fish. Enjoy the species if you cross paths, but take extra steps to make sure those fish remain in the living population. A huge contingency of the best respected fishing guides on the Gulf coast opposed their decision to reopen to harvest, made sincere pleads over and over to get the decision reversed but were ignored. Do your part and try to give this species a chance to return to prominence regardless of their faulty data and poor decision making.

The FWC Commission has not answered a letter requesting that a summit be held to address changes to snook regulations that would protect more female snook. The clock is ticking on a spring re-opening and the harm to our valuable fishery. Snook trips will not be offered in 2014 for Strike Three Kayak Fishing charters for the fourth year due to the shortage of fish and management issues.

Neil Taylor
Owner and guide: www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345 LivelyBaits@aol.com
Owner and site administrator: www.capmel.com

Stay alert and make a difference:
Keep an eye out and make the phone calls. Illegal nets found in Upper Tampa Bay have been confiscated thanks to the tips from citizens. Working with the field staff, I personally know that they have a great response rate on the calls I make. Too many people do not make the attempt because they did not get a response in the past. Trust me, they do the best they can and they do respond as quickly as possible.

The great work of FWC officers to target felony netters and keep an eye on other recreational offenders has led to better fishing for us all. Their continued efforts to catch felony netters are making the south shore region return as a great fishery again. But help them out: Keep your eyes peeled for illegal activity and make a call if you see poaching, 888-404-FWCC (3922). Your tips will help make cases and you could be eligible for a reward. If you see a poacher: Make a phone call.

Neil Taylor
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