Wednesday, 04 May 2011 08:03 Written by Stewart Ames
As spring leans towards summer, many good things begin to happen in the inshore fishing world. Tampa fishing charters may yield a broad range of fish in May, including seatrout, redfish, snook, tarpon, kingfish, spanish mackerel, shark and barracuda. Snook appear to be showing up a little earlier than last year, which is encouraging based on the massive fish kills of two years ago. First cast redfish on Tampa Fishing CharterAlthough fish are noticeably absent from St Joseph's Sound, they are popping up on the beaches in limited numbers right now. Look for greater abundance in the next 30 days. Also, do remember that per current fishing regulations, snook are still closed to harvest until September, at which time a decision will be made as to whether to open the season back up or keep it closed. Free-lined white baits (pilchards or threadfins), grunts, shad and ladyfish are excellent baits for these early arriving fish. Expect your best success on moving tides or during low light hours.
The redfishing this spring has left many Tampa fishing guides scratching their heads. Small and over-slot fish have been making up the bulk of the redfish catches, with slot fish strangely absent off of northern Pinellas County. In the last week, however, whitebait has shown up in much greater abundance and it would be logical to expect that many inshore species will become much more active in pursuing it. Bruiser tampa redfish on the flatsHopefully, May will be the month that these larger groups of slot fish show up. On a recent Tampa fishing charter, several decent slot fish were caught so hopefully this is an indication of things to come. Larger redfish are eating what they normally do.. .medium sized pinfish fished on bobbers or free-lined as well as a variety of cut baits. In the interest of keeping rods bent however, purchase a few dozen select shrimp as the smaller redfish show a distinct preference for them over larger baits. Large reds will, of course, eat these shrimp as well, but cut baits will be left alone by pinfish and therefore have a longer "soak" time.
Tampa Fishing for Big SeatroutTampa fishing for seatrout was excellent over the past month with many 24 - 26 inch fish being landed. Overall numbers were down from the prime winter months, but the trout that were landed definitely were larger than the average "big winter" trout. As is the case every year, when the whitebait shows up, these big trout go crazy for it and this year was no exception. Large threadfin herring were being eaten with no problem by these gators. This action appears to be tapering off to some degree and fish are moving to the beaches before their final farewell for the summer. Occasional large trout will be landed while fishing for snook and redfish, but their reduced numbers will be apparent by the end of this month.
The near shore bite for kingfish and Spanish mackerel was good for several weeks in April. A few days of unsettled weather pushed the fish west out to past 10 miles but winds blowing primarily out of the east for the last week seem to be bringing them back. Tampa Fishing Charter for kingfishStronger tides in the last few days have made Tampa fishing charters for Spanish mackerel much more productive as well. As with any of these near shore predator species, chumming is the key to getting them behind the boat so make sure to have an adequate amount before heading out. Fly lined white baits are the best bait and will catch just about anything that swims. Initially, use light gauge steel leaders (31 - 40 lbs test). If fish won't bite, go to 2X or 3X long shank hooks. Although this rig will result in more "bite offs", it will improve the odds of hooking wary fish. If a hooked mackerel begins jumping, look for a grey torpedo underneath him as a barracuda is probably on his tail. Tampa fishing guides are typically prepared with a bigger rod and a bigger bait on a stinger rig when this happens. A larger fish thrown in front of a cuda immediately after it has chased a mackerel will usually result in a hook up.
Big Cuda while Tampa Mackerel FishingLastly, tarpon are now being sighted on the beaches. Hooking these larger fish requires a commitment to fish for only them all day as hours may go by without seeing a single fish. Certain local areas serve as "Tarpon highways". Tampa fishing guides will post up in these areas and patiently wait for fish to come to them. As a group of fish approaches, the guide will make small and quiet adjustments to his position to allow the customer a cast into the fish. Crabs and large threadfin herring are cast into the path of approaching tarpon and, with a little luck, a hundred pound plus fish will inhale the bait. As many times as not, a half dozen fish will swim straight though the bait without touching it but hooking a large fish like this in gin clear water on light tackle is as good as it gets. 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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