The month of March, slammed with trips and very good fishing a majority of the time. Extremely enjoyable instructional trips plus visits from annual clients. The weather: Acceptable. We fished in substantial wind a lot of the time. A week of lighter wind would be a real treat. The action was very good for trout. It was decent when targeting redfish. Very few “accidental snook” caught, further evidence that stocks are still at a stressed level. I get regular emails from people talking about arguments with people who have harvested fish. The situation and management decisions, prime for delaying the recovery of this species by years.
The return of the flounder? Starting three weeks ago they have become a daily catch again. The flounder of winter are small. We are back to seeing good sized fish with the arrival of spring. This is the beginning of what should be a great influx of these fish. So few people target them, they are a great fishery to explore.
The rumor mill: Pompano are back in the Bay. The reports I have heard, this could be a terrific year for pompano. I have not tried for them. Most of my pompano trips summer adventures, if the reports continue as they are, we may have to work this species into the program. The illegal netting of this species in Manatee County translated to an awful year for pompano last year. Improvements in nighttime law enforcement, hopefully we will enjoy much better opportunities for these fish this year.
The trout action has been pretty good in specific locations and very bad in others. We ended up locating good numbers of fish in specific locations. North Pinellas continues to yield the worst reports for all fishing that I have ever heard. That’s three and a half years of dismal fishing up there. Brought to you by Pinellas County beach projects (which another is underway there, with dredging added this time). I tried to talk clients out of Dunedin trips. They insisted. We had dreadful days up there.
We had days where we caught dozens of fish that were upper and over-slot trout. We had days where we could catch as many mackerel as we could possibly want. We have such good opportunities dead ahead….
Capmel.com Radio, also known as Outdoor Fishing Adventures and Tampa Fishing Outfitters Radio Show is doing very well. As co-host, I am in the studio nearly every week and we have a great setup with topics and guests. Listen in on 1040 Sports Talk “The Team” 8 to 9AM on Sundays, live on the web or enjoy listening to the Podcasts at your leisure.
Call to get on the schedule! The action’s great.
As always: Be careful out there!
Neil Taylor
Owner and guide: www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345 LivelyBaits@aol.com
Owner and site administrator: www.capmel.com
Co-host: Outdoor Fishing Adventures, 8 to 9AM Sundays on 1040 “The Team” ESPN Radio
Poachers are common thieves. See a poacher, report a poacher!
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Cell phone users can reach us at *FWC or #FWC, depending on your service provider.
Most cell phones allow users to send text messages directly to an email address. You can text Tip@MyFWC.com ; standard usage fees may apply.
Supply as much detailed information such as the location of the offender, the boat description, number of people on board, clothing, vehicle information and give the dispatcher your phone number. Do this discreetly. You do not want to have direct contact with these people.
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
