Tuesday, 31 August 2010 07:17
Written by Stewart Ames
Redfish fishing becomes the primary activity on most fishing charters during the heat of summer in the Tampa FL, area and this August was no exception. Water temperatures actually exceeded the ninety degree mark on several days, which had even the heat tolerant redfish moving a little slower than usual. Fishing was best on the high and outgoing tides. Residential docks and grass flats with good water movement appeared to be the most productive locations. As has been the case all season, most of the fish caught were of good quality. Pinfish bobbered a half a foot off of the bottom or cut baits were most productive. Looking forward into September, redfishing should only get better as days get shorter and daytime temperatures start to moderate a little bit. Schooling fish should be easier to find as well, setting the stage for double digit catch days.
Although Tampa Fishing for Snook is best during May, June and early July, quality fish can still be caught in the late summer months by the persistent angler. Those interested in targeting a large specimen should night fish with big baits such as grunts and ladyfish. The best times are during strongest tidal movement. As is almost always the case with snook, let the baits float naturally through the snook's liar with no weight unless the current is very strong. Likely hangouts for these larger fish include the deep cuts near local passes, jetties, and around lighted docks known to harbor big fish. Snook are present in the same locations during the daylight hours, but seem more reluctant to eat when the sun is high.
At some point in September, water temperatures will begin to drop. This cooler water will trigger a migration of mangrove snapper to our near shore Pinellas County Reefs in large numbers. Last year, this Tampa Fishing on Near Shore Reefs lasted from late September to December. On days where the Tides are weak and inshore fishing a little tougher, a trip 4 - 5 miles offshore to these reefs can be great "Plan B". By aggressively chumming, hundreds of snapper can be brought to the stern of your boat. Although wary on some days, they can be hooked on every cast on others. Free-lined shrimp or a small whitebait dropped back into the slick is the best technique for regular hookups. To improve your chances for hookup, downsize your leader to fifteen pound Ande Flourocarbon Leader and a 1/0 circle hook. Larger fish are typically found towards the back of the slick. If this approach does not pay off, take the same bait and drop it directly to the bottom with as little weight as is needed to hold it stationary. Do not move the bait at all. Just wait for a tug. Snapper will approach a bait like this and circle it, sometimes for minutes, before they pick it up. Once the snapper are effectively chummed up, rig a couple of heavy action spinning rods with a steel leader above the hook. This leader only need be four to five inches in length. Use 30 - 40 lbs Malin Hard-Wire and secure both the hook and the swivel using a Haywire Twist Knot. Take larger baits such as threadfin herring or big pilchards and cast these baits, on balloons, well back into the chum slick. Place these rods up above where they are out of the way and just wait. While everyone is actively focusing on filling out their snapper limits, a drag will start screaming as a larger predator has inhaled one of these ballooned baits. In September, this could be a Spanish mackerel, bonita, cobia, barracuda or shark...any of these providing an interesting diversion from snapper fishing.
With August in the rear view mirror, Tampa fishing will only get batter for the next few months. The best days to inshore fish during the month of September are the 5th through the 11th and the 20th through the 26th so plan your fishing charters with these dates in mind. Good luck and good fishing.
Captain Stewart Ames
Gone Fishing Charters
US Coast Guard Licensed Captain
Member Florida Guides Association
sames001@tampabay.rr.com
(727) 421-5291
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