Tampa Fishing Report for Tampa FL May 22, 2009
Redfish action in April was consistently excellent on days with good tidal movement. A half dozen to twenty slot fish were the norm, but one exceptional Tampa Fishing Charter yielded in excess of fifty fish. Pinfish were the bait of choice although, once the fish started to actively feed, whitebait, cutbait and almost any offering was rapidly consumed. Rigging a bait with a heavy split shot up the line a few inches seemed to be the most effective approach. However, on windy days, a bobbered bait drifted across a flat was also useful in locating fish. There is no reason this strong redfish bite shouldn't carry right on through May so fish any day you can that has a big tide. The best fishing almost always occurs on the higher phases of the tide.
Tampa fishing for trout seemed to slow down a bit in terms of number of overall fish caught but, true to form for April, large fish showed up like they do every year. Most of these bigger fish were caught on large whitebaits intended for snook. Another interesting characteristic of these big trout is that they are not found in large groups as in the winter months. These lunkers are usually loners and are caught in less predictable places. May marks the end of "big" trout season. Some quality fish will remain along our beaches but will depart before the month is over... not returning until the first cold fronts of November roll back in.
Snook fishing in April was very inconsistent, in part due to the fluctuating weather. All of this is about to change, however. Once May arrives, the bulk of our local population takes to the beaches and the best snook fishing of the year is upon us. Fish in April were found near canal mouths, around residential docks, and out on the beaches. Almost all fish were hooked on free lined whitebaits. A large portion of the fish landed were also undersized... partly because many of the larger fish hooked around structure were lost. As snook begin to congregate over the sand, catch numbers will go up and large fish will be much easier to land. Large whitebaits, grass grunts and small ladyfish will be the baits of choice for the largest specimens. Target strong, outgoing tides for the best opportunity at a trophy fish. Although the season closed May 1st, fishing for snook will be the primary focus of many anglers who just can't get enough of the great fight a snook provides.
Redfish-On days with weak tides, a trip to near shore hard bottom will be well worth it in the month of May. Rather than struggling to find a few redfish, pursue what nature gives you and go outside to battle with kingfish, bonita, spanish mackerel and possibly even a stray legal grouper. An early morning trip down the beach may even yield a tarpon. Tampa fishing in May is as good as it gets, so make sure to get out there and take advantage of it.
Good luck and good fishing.
Captain Stewart Ames
US Coast Guard Licensed Captain
Member Florida Guides Association
Captain Stewart Ames
Gone Fishing Charters
US Coast Guard Licensed Captain
Member Florida Guides Association
www.tampa-fishing-charter.com/
727-421-5291
© 2007 Captain Stewart Ames, Gone Fishing Charters, Tampa, FL
727-421-5291
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