It’s warming up, but not fast enough to kill action up in the Bay.  But the end is near.   Later this month, I will give up on my fishing in the region north of the Gandy Bridge:  with one exception.   Big black drum are about to load up on the bridge pilings.   Pompano will not be far behind.   Pompano:  this species will be the next to return in big numbers.   It is still early yet to expect them to arrive in the biggest numbers but that could happen early this year.   The fish in the south Suncoast and at the mouth of Tampa Bay will make their way up to the bridges of upper Tampa Bay sometime in the next four weeks.

We have already been on the drum.  The pompano just have not shown up yet.   The drum are generally the same size as last year:  40 to 70 pounds.  The Silly Willy- Uncle Neil teaser is all you need.   Food value: Zero.  The smaller drum are edible but  these bigger fish are a catch and release decision.    If you keep one to eat, you need to have a tough stomach.   The stench and the presence of masses of parasites in the meat, just let them go.

The rainy season is coming up fast.   Literally, the day after tomorrow, the summer pattern rains are forecast for the rest of the week.   That may sustain some action in this part of the Bay a while longer.   Fresh water.  Cooler water.   Redfish are still one of the best choices for this part of the Bay.  The rootbeer 12 Fathom Mullet is a killer bait for these fish.     Make long casts and keep the lure down by the bottom.   Move around to find the fish and do everything as quietly as possible.   These fish are the most sensitive to noise and movement and the stealth angler has the advantage.   The same areas that have good numbers of mullet are also good locations to search for redfish.

Trout action is just much better closer to the mouth of Tampa Bay.  Trout are still being located, though with less consistency than a few weeks ago.   Areas with craggy oyster bottom and bigger baitfish may also have the large trout.   The jigs seem to work best but the topwater action has been decent, especially toward sunset.   I would say that trout are a better option “on the outside” rather that way up in the Bay, probably until November.

It is May, well into May actually.  The influx of tarpon is near.

On safety:    Keep an eye to the sky and be ready for fast forming storms to pop up starting this month.

May 21  Tampa Bay Times Boat Show, Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa

3PM topic:    Beginners to fishing Tampa Bay

4PM topic:    Kayak Fishing

 

May 26   Kayak Fishing Skool
6:30 to 7:45PM Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure (Pinellas Park)
Going Deep:   Safety in deep water/high current fishing trips

 

Get out and enjoy the action in this part of our waters!  As always: Be careful out there!

Neil Taylor

Co-host: Capmel.com Radio, 8 to 9AM Sundays on 1040 “The Team”
www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345
LivelyBaits@aol.com

Neil Taylor
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