St Petersburg, Good Inshore, Rough Offshore

I was just talking with Larry at Mastry's Bait & Tackle in St Petersburg. He was telling me that the east wind of the last two and a half weeks has kept most anglers from geting into the Gulf, but inshore and near shore fishing is good. Tarpon are migrating through the area and can be found on the beach, at Egmont Key, and around the Skyway Bridge. Pass crabs and blue crabs are the best baits, greenbacks also work well. Spanish mackerel are every where, in the bay, around the bridges, and off the beaches. Got-Cha Plugs and Clark Spoons will catch spanish mackerel. A few king mackerel are scattered in with the spanish. The best spot for kingfish has been in about 20ft of water west of Blinds Pass. Some Barracuda are starting to show in this same area. A few cobia are also hanging around. Some are in the bay but most can be found around bouies and channel markers in the mouth of Tampa Bay. Pinfish and noisy artificials work well on cobia. Redfish and speckled trout are biting very well around Pinellas Point and Fort DeSoto Park. Shrimp, white bait and pinfish are all good baits for reds and trout. For more information contact;
Mastry's Bait & Tackle Inc.
727-896-8889
1700 4th St South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Fort Walton Beach

I just spoke with Brooks Bridge Bait & Tackle in Fort Walton Beach. They tell me that the fishing is pretty good with just about every thing biting well. Redfish can be found around docks and black drum will be at the bridges. Shrimp or cut bait works best for the reds, crabs are best for the black drum. Sheepshead will be around bridge pylons, docks, and other structure. Clams and barnacles are good baits for sheepshead. Spanish mackerel are in the bay. Got-Cha Plugs or Clark Spoons will catch spanish mackerel. Speckled trout are on drop offs. Shrimp on pinfish are good baits for trout. Offshore fishing is also good. King mackerel and spanish mackerel can be caught by trolling live bait. Use what ever bait is swimming in the area you are fishing. Red snapper and trigerfish are on local wrecks. Pinfish and cut bait will catch red snapper and trigerfish. For more information contact;
Brooks Bridge Bait & Tackle
850-243-5721
1201 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE #A
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Boca Grande Pass Has Big Tarpon, Big Waves

I spoke with Robert at Fishn' Frank's Bait & Tackle in Port Charlotte this afternoon. He was telling me that tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass is very good, but you have to use caution. Strong easterly winds combined with an incoming tide can send wave heights in the pass to 7ft in a short amount of time. The largest number of tarpon are being taken early in the morning from sun up until around 10am. Another good bite is occurring in the afternoon, but only lasts about two hours. Tarpon in the pass are averaging between 120lb and 140lb. Blue crabs, pass crabs, pinfish, and greenbacks are the best live baits. Break away tarpon jigs are the standard artificial. The large number of sharks that normally plague the pass have not shown up yet. Cooler then normal nights have kept water temperatures lower then the sharks normally like. Cobia fishing in Charlotte Harbor is good. Look for cobia around structure or following large rays. Pinfish and noisy artificials work great on cobia. Lots of redfish are being caught in Charlotte Harbor. Most are in the 6lb - 8lb range, but many reds over the slot limit are also being caught. Robert tells me that they are taking top water plugs, such as Zara Puppies and Jumping Mullet, early in the morning. Later in the day jigs, cut ladyfish or cut threadfins are working best. Snook season is closed in the Gulf Region, but there is great catch and release snook fishing on the beach and in area passes. For more information contact;
Fishn' Frank's Bait & Tackle
941-625-3888
4425 Tamiami Trl #D
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
www.fishinfranks.com/

Dunedin Causway Fishing Has Slowed

I spoke with Pat at Dunedin Fishing Center in Dunedin this afternoon. He was telling me that fishing was a little slow this weekend, probably due to the strong winds and climbing water temperatures. Tarpon have shown in good numbers on the beach, in the passes, and even in the Intracoastal Waterway. Several have been jumped lately including one by a kayak fisherman who was reportedly pulled around by a tarpon for 45 min. before the fish broke loose. Blue crabs, pass crabs, and greenbacks are all good baits for tarpon. Spanish mackerel are still around although there aren't as many as there had been. Look for spanish mackerel around passes. A chum bag will draw any fish in the area to your boat where you can catch them with Clark Spoons and Got-Cha Plugs. A few redfish are being caught. Pat was telling me that most anglers are catching the smaller"Rat Reds", but local fishing guides are able to put there customers on much larger fish in very skinny water behind Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands. Live shrimp and white bait are the best redfish baits. Speckled trout fishing is very good at times. Look for trout on the grass flats of St. Joseph Sound and behind Honeymoon Island and Three Rooker Bar. Live shrimp, shrimp tipped jigs or slug baits, and Gulp Shrimp or Jerk Shad are the baits of choice. For more information contact;
Dunedin Fishing Center
727-738-5628
243 Bayshore Blvd
Dunedin, FL 34698

Bonita Springs is Springing Back

I was just talking with Ken at Master Bait & Tackle in Bonita Springs. He tells me that the water is crystal clear but strong winds have kept most anglers from venturing very far offshore. Tarpon are thick in 20ft of water, about 3mile off the beach. Site cast crabs or greenbacks to rolling fish, or anchor in areas where tarpon have been spotted and put a live greenback or crab under a float and a fresh dead greenback on the bottom. Permit are plentiful on wrecks in about 40ft of water. Blue crabs or pass crabs are the best bait. Snook season is closed in the Gulf Region, but great catch and release snook action can found on the beach and all over the back country. White bait, greenbacks, and pinfish are all great baits for snook. Please bend down the barb on your hooks to make releasing the fish easier. Speckled trout fishing is very good on area grass flats. Shrimp and pinfish are the best live baits, jigs tipped with shrimp, slug baits, or Berkley's Gulp Shrimp or Jerk Shad are the best artificials. Sharks are every where and Ken tells me that a bonefish was caught in Wiggins Pass a few days ago. This is very rare for this area. Bait fish are becoming larger and more numerous on the south west coast. Many had been killed when fresh water from Lake Okeechobee was released through the area last winter. For more information contact;
Master Bait & Tackle
239-992-2553
4465 Bonita Beach RD
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
www.masterbaitonline.com/

Port Saint Joe

I was talking with Mike at Scallop Cove Bait & Tackle on St Joseph Peninsula this afternoon. He tells me that redfish and speckled trout are biting on the grass flats and on the beach. Top water lures, live bait fish, and shrimp are all good baits for trout and reds. Pompano and spanish mackerel are also biting well on the beach. Sand flees and shrimp are the best baits for pompano, bubble rigs, Got-Cha Plugs, and Clark Spoons will catch spanish mackerel. Mike was telling me that offshore fishing was good before the winds picked up today. Anglers heading into the Gulf were catching grouper, lane snapper, and king mackerel. Pinfish are good bait for grouper and snapper, trolling blue runners,hard tails, or whatever bait fish is swimming in the area will catch king mackerel. For more information contact;

Scallop Cove Bait & Tackle
850-227-7557

4310 Cape San Blas Rd

Port Saint Joe, FL 32456

www.scallopcove.com

Cast Nets. Calusa vs Fitec

Any angler who has ever wet a line can tell you that the best way to catch fish is to use live bait. There are several good ways to get your bait. The easiest, of course, is to go to your local bait shop and buy it. This is what I recommend for novice fishermen and this is the way I usually get my bait. It is fast and convenient, and you can pick up tips on what is biting, where to fish, and how to catch them. Another method of obtaining your bait is to use a sabiki rig. This string of about a dozen tiny gold hooks is cheap, compact, easy to use and perfect for deeper water and places where it would be difficult to throw your third option, the cast net. Tie enough weight to the bottom of the sabiki rig to keep it vertical in the water column, and tie the other end of the rig to the main line of a fishing rod. Then jig it next to bridge pylons, channel markers, or schools of bait fish in open water. This can produce dozens of fresh baits in a short amount of time. The third option, as I mentioned, is a cast net. This is by far the fastest, easiest way to catch bait. A few throws can produce enough bait to last you all day. You also have the ability to match the hatch better by catching the type of bait your targeted fish are feeding on. This is the method used by fishing guides and serious anglers every where. The only drawbacks to owning a cast net is price, and the ability to throw it. If you fish on a regular basis, a cast net can pay for itself in less then a year. If you buy a quality net it will last you for several years. Learning to throw a net can be tricky at first, but there are plenty of excellent how to guides in print and on the Internet. If you follow there directions, you can learn to throw a net in a couple of hours. So what's the best net for you and where can you get one? I went on the web and looked up the top two cast net manufactures, Calusa and Fitec, and did a comparison. Both companies have a variety of products and both companies products come in a wide range of net size and mesh sizes. Both companies also emphasize quality, with top of the line materials and manufacturing standards used in all of there product lines. The biggest difference between the two companies is who they try to sell their products to.

Calusa targets fishing guides and hard core fishermen. There nets are designed for anglers who spend a lot of time on the water and need top quality gear that is durable, and reliable. They demand a net that will stay soft, open flat every time, and sink quickly. Calusa gives them this with there two product lines, the top of the line Calusa Nets and the lower cost Cracker Nets. All of Calusa's nets are hand made using six panel construction, double selvage, and 1.5lb's of lead per foot. The Calusa Nets are made with co polymer monofilament nets, a #12 bonded nylon twine hang line, and a 2.25" horn. The Cracker Net is made with nylon monofilament nets, a #9 non-bonded nylon twine hang line, and a .5" horn.

Fitec targets fishermen of all skill levels and experience. They make products for every one, from the guy who fishes a few times a year and just wants to catch his own bait, to the fishing guides and hard core tournament anglers who demand the best cast net money can buy. There products range from the Quick Throw Sportsman Series, featuring the patented accu-throw ring, nylon nets, and .75lb's of lead per foot, to the XS-1500 Series, featuring six panel construction, Dyneema nets, and 1.5lb's of lead per foot. Fitec makes two product lines that directly compete with Calusa for top end cast nets, the new XS-1500 Series and the GS-1500 Series (Pro Select). Below you will find a chart comparing these two Fitec product lines with the Calusa and Cracker product lines. The Fitec XS-1500 Series net is made only in a 3/8" mesh size and three net sizes, so I will use this as the criteria for my comparisons.

Calusa
NET- Co polymer Mono
HANG LINE- #12 Bonded Nylon
PRICE- 6', $129 8', $189 10', $219

Cracker
NET- Nylon Mono
HANG LINE- #9 Non-Bonded Nylon
PRICE- 6', $95 8', $120 10', $140

GS-1500
NET- SpS Mono
HANG LINE- Polyethylene with a Polypropylene outer sheath.
PRICE- 6', $138 8', $153 10', $184

XS-1500
NET- Dyneeme
HANG LINE- Polyethylene with a Polypropylene outer sheath.
PRICE- 6', $260 8', $425 10', $657

Pensicola Fishing is Hot Inshore, Hotter Offshore

I spoke with Victor at Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle in Gulf Breeze today. He tells me that fishing is very good both inshore and offshore. Speckled trout are all over the grass flats. Live shrimp, Berkley Gulp Shrimp, and Gulp Jerk Shad will all catch lots of trout. Legal sized redfish are holding under docks and other structure. Live shrimp is working best for the reds. A few flounder are starting to show. Drift the pass with live bull minnows to catch flounder. Pompano are still on the beach. Sand flees and live shrimp are the best baits for pompano. Spanish mackerel and king mackerel are near the beach. Spanish mackerel can be caught from the pier on Got-Cha Plugs and Clark Spoons. King mackerel will hit cigar minnows trolled within the first few miles of the beach. Cobia and amberjack are on local wrecks and red snapper are all over reefs and wrecks from near shore to deep water. Pinfish are the best bait for cobia, amberjack, and snapper. Marlin and wahoo are biting very well for anglers trolling blue water around the edge and the nipple. Big yellow fin tuna are hanging around deep water oil rigs. Swordfish can be caught around the spur and De Soto Canyon using giant squid for bait. For more information contact;
Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
850-932-6789
825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
www.gbtackle.com/

Nassau Sound

I spoke with Bill at Nassau Sound Bait & Tackle on the south end of Amelia Island this afternoon. He was telling me that fishing is good in Nassau Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. Whiting are in the Sound and will take frozen shrimp. Pompano are on the beach and in Nassau Sound. They will eat sand flees, live shrimp, and pompano jigs. Speckled trout are in the Intracoastal Waterway and in the Sound. Look for them on shell beds and in drop offs. Mud minnows and live shrimp are the best baits. Redfish are in the back country. Black drum can be caught from the old bridge. Pieces of crab are a good bait for black drum. Flounder are starting to move in. Mud minnows are the best bait for flounder followed by shrimp. For more information contact;

Nassau Sound Bait & Tackle

904-277-9772

7500 1st Coast Hwy

Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Bradenton

Some fairly strong winds have made the Gulf choppy and has kept fishermen close to shore near Bradenton. Annamae at Corkey's Live Bait & Tackle in Bradenton tells me that some nice permit are being taken about 3 miles offshore of Long Boat Key. Pass crabs and blue crabs are the best baits for permit. A few kingfish are also being taken near shore. A few king mackerel are also being caught inside area passes. Floating a large bluerunner, greenback or white bait under a balloon should get the attention of any kingfish in the area. Spanish mackerel are every where. Small spoons or Got-Cha Plugs will catch spanish mackerel. Redfish are in Palma Sola Bay. Small Black Salty, live shrimp, and the Redfish Magic Lure all work well on reds. Tarpon are on area beaches and around passes. Pass crabs and blue crabs are the best baits for tarpon. Corkey's sells pass crabs and blue crabs along with all of your fishing needs. For more information contact;
Corkey's Live Bait & Tackle
941-792-7901
10103 Cortez Rd W
Bradenton, FL 34210

Gulf Piers are Slow

I just got off the phone with the fishing piers in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and Clearwater Beach. Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier told me that things are dead with not much of anything being caught. Okaloosa Island Pier has a few king mackerel and a few spanish mackerel being caught, but not much more. I am told that the biggest problem is the S.E. wind. Bait fish swim into the wind, so when it is out of the south in the panhandle, the bait schools stay farther offshore. At Big Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, anglers are catching keeper size sheepshead and spanish mackerel. The sheepshead are biting live shrimp and the spanish mackerel will hit #0, or #00 Clark Spoons or Got-Cha Plugs. For more information contact;
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
850-934-7200
41 Fort Pickens Rd
Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
www.fishpensicolabeachpier.com/

Okaloosa Island Pier
850-244-1023
1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
www.okaloosaislandpier.com/

Big Pier 60
727-462-6466
Clearwater Beach, FL

Atlantic Fishing Piers

I spoke with several fishing piers along the Atlantic coast today. Jacksonville Beach Pier anglers are catching bluefish on almost any lure you throw in the water, spanish mackerel on Clark Spoons and Got-Cha Plugs, pompano on shrimp, ladyfish and spadefish. St. Johns Co. Ocean Pier fishermen are catching bluefish on lures and spoons, and pompano on shrimp when the tide is strong. Sunglow Fishing Pier anglers are catching bluefish on lures and spoons, redfish on shrimp, pompano and whiting on shrimp. For more information contact;
Jacksonville Beach Pier
904-241-4515
503 1st St N
Jacksonville, FL 32250
www.jacksonvillebeachpier.com/

St Johns Co Ocean Pier
904-461-0119
350 A1a Beach Blvd
St Augustine, FL 32090

Sunglow Fishing Pier
386-756-4219
3701 S Atlantic Av
Port Orange, FL 32127
www.sunglowpier.com/

Homosassa Has Shallow Grouper and Big Cobia

I was talking with Tim at Mac Rae's Bait House in Homosassa this morning. He tells me that the fishing is very good with a wide variety of fish being caught. Look for redfish around the St. Martins Keys. Gold spoons work very well for redfish there. Speckled trout are thick in the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. A Berkley Gulp Jerk Shad will catch lots of trout here. Large cobia can be found in the Gulf of Mexico. One of Tim's customers caught a 60lb cobia at marker 4 this week when they stoped to catch pinfish for bait. Two other 60lb cobia and several 50lb cobia have been brought into Mac Rae's this week. All were caught on pinfish. Grouper to 20lb are being caught in the very shallow waters around Homosassa. Tim was telling me that there are lots of springs, caves, and rock piles in the area and these draw big grouper in during the spring time. These tasty fish can be caught in 5ft - 40ft of water right now. Cut mullet is the best bait.Good numbers of king mackerel can still be caught offshore. Troll hardtails, blue runners, or whatever bait is swimming in the area you are fishing. There are a lot of mangrove snapper, to 9lb ,and grouper being caught in the middle grounds. for more information contact;
Mac Rae's Bait House
352-628-2602
5290 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, FL 34448

Port Orange

I spoke with Billy at Howard's Bait & Tackle Inc. in Port Orange. He was telling me that offshore waters are rough and few anglers have gotten out. Inshore waters are a little choppy but the fishing is good. Look for redfish around docks, oyster bars and tidal creeks. Live shrimp, mullet, and cut mullet are all good baits for redfish. Flounder fishing is good on mud flats, around bridges, and in drop offs of the intracoastal. Live shrimp and mud minnows are the best baits for flounder. Speckled trout are on the grass flats, around docks, and in the deeper holes behind sand bars. Jigs tipped with shrimp and lures will catch trout. For more information contact;
Howard's Bait & Tackle Inc.
386-761-8478
96 Dunlawton Av
Port Orange, FL 32127

Charlotte Harbor, It's Tarpon Time!

I spoke with Fishn' Frank's in Port Charlotte today. They were telling me that there are lots of tarpon and lots of sharks in Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grand Pass. A few redfish are being caught in the harbor. Look for them around docks, oyster bars, and mangroves. Live shrimp and gold spoons are good baits. Speckled trout are on the grass flats. Use a popping cork or free line a live shrimp over sand holes in the grass to catch trout. Snook are on the beach. Snook season is closed in the Gulf of Mexico, but these fish are fun to catch and release. For more information contact;
Fishn' Frank's Bait & Tackle
941-625-3888
4425 Tamiami Trl #D
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
www.fishinfranks.com/

Flagler Beach Guest Report

Let's Go Fishing The Fish Are Here Now Fishing Has Picked Up aLot .Offshore Report :Rob Thomas Grouper 20lb 6oz Flounder 4lb 1oz Red Snapper 7lb 4oz Bob Aquaro Grouper 20lb 8oz Lane Snapper 3lb and lot's of Sea BassGary Crawford Trigger Fish 1lb 12oz Red Porgy 1lb 11ozSurf Fishing Report:Lot's Of Limit's of Bluefish On Mullet , Whiting going Crazy over Fish Bite's Ask for it By It's NameSome Pompano Showing Up Most 15" - 20" few Big Redfish - Black DrumIntercoastal Report:Mike Salzer Nice Redfish in Summit Lake 4lb 4oz & 7lb 5ozGreg Zvierko Flounder , Trout ,Redfish 4lb 6oz Freshwater Bass are Hitting Hard In Palm Coast Canel'sOn LIVE SHINER"S ( Yes We Have Them )Roy Has Put alot of New stuff in shop so stop by and Let us know you saw this Report On PCLINKS.COM Call Roy's At 386-439-1027
« Last Edit: March 21, 2007, 02:21:45 PM by Roys BaitHouse »
Logged For more information contact;
Roy's Bait House
105 N A1a & 2nd St
Flagler Beach, FL
www.roysbaithouse.com

St. Augustine Has Good Variety

I spoke with Candice at Oldest City Bait & Tackle in St. Augustine today. She was telling me that the wind has died down and the fishing has picked up. Flounder are being caught in creeks, under docks and in the Intracoastal Waterway. Mud minnows, mullet, and shrimp are the best baits for flounder. Redfish are around docks and oyster bars in the Intracoastal. Live shrimp and mullet are good baits. Whiting, and a few pompano are being caught in the Intracoastal Waterway and on the beach. Live shrimp and sand flees are the best baits for whiting and pompano. Black drum, bluefish and spanish mackerel are being caught at the pier. Dead shrimp is the best bait for the black drum, small silver spoons and Got-Cha Plugs are best for the blues and spanish mackerel. Offshore, cobia, dolphin, and wahoo are all being caught. The cobia are close to the beach. A cobia jig with a large grub tail will get most of these fish to bite. Farther offshore look for weed lines and floating debris to locate dolphin. Cigar minnows or what ever bait fish are in the area will be the best bait for dolphin. Look for wahoo around color breaks in the water and around bait pods. Ballyhoo is the best bait for wahoo. For more information contact;
Oldest City Bait & Tackle
904-461-0244
1915 State Rd 312
St Augustine, FL 32080

Panama City Piers

I was just talking with Half Hitch Tackle Pier in Panama City. They tell me that the fishing is good with pier anglers catching bluefish, pompano, spanish mackerel and a few king mackerel. The bluefish are hitting spoons and spanish mackerel will take a live bait fish on a bubble straw rig or a Got-Cha Plug. The pompano like live shrimp, sand flees, and pompano jigs. The king mackerel are being caught on cigar minnows or other live bait fish. For more information contact;
Half Hitch Tackle Pier
850-230-5936
16101 Front Beach Rd
Panama City, FL 32413

Sarasota Beach and Bay are Best

I spoke with Sut at New Pass Grill & Bait Shop in Sarasota this morning. He tells me that the fishing is decent with a nice variety of fish being caught. In Sarasota Bay, redfish and snook are your best bet. Snook season is closed but there is great catch and release action to be had in the bay and on the beach. Look for snook at sun up in the first swash channel on the beach. Live shrimp or greenbacks are the best baits, jigs also work well. Redfish action is good in the bay. Look for reds around docks an oyster bars. Live shrimp is the best bait. Speckled trout action is only fair. Look for trout around the sand holes on the grass flats. A live shrimp either free lined or on a popping cork, or a jig tipped with a small piece of shrimp will catch trout. Tarpon are on the beach. Crabs are by far the best bait for tarpon. For more information contact;
New Pass Grill & Bait Shop
941-388-3050
1505 John Ringling Pkwy
Sarasota,FL34236

Sebastian Inlet

I was talking with Tom at Inlet Bait & Tackle near Sebastian Inlet this afternoon. He tells me that the fishing has slowed some since last week but is still very good. Bluefish, redfish and spanish mackerel are biting well out on the jetty's. Silver mullet and spoons are working well on blues, reds, and spanish on the out going tide. The reds are also biting well on shrimp. Strong winds have made fishing from the beach tough, but when the winds lay down look for great pompano action in the surf. Anglers are catching a few nice pompano from the jetty's. Tom is seeing several 3lb - 4lb pompano a day being caught on sand flees, shrimp, and pompano jigs. With the new moon being on Wednesday, snook fishing should be very good. They will take regular sized shrimp during the day, and shallow diving plugs or flair jigs at night. Big jacks are also cruising through the inlet. Large spoons and big noisy plugs will get these big bruisers attention. For more information contact;
Inlet Bait & Tackle
321-768-6621
9722 S Highway A1a
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951

Key Largo Hot List...Dolphin & Permit

I just got off of the phone with Ron at Yellow Bait House on Key Largo. He was telling me that dolphin are picking up. Look for weed lines and floating debris, 20 - 30 miles offshore, and either troll, or chum and cast live bait fish or chunks of cut ballyhoo. The dolphin will move closer to shore if the wind switches to the east or south east. Permit are all over area shipwrecks. The Duane & Bibb wreck is very hot for permit right now with multiple hook ups being reported using crabs. Yellow tail snapper are also hot right now. They can be caught in 60ft - 90ft of water on live shrimp. In the back country, speckled trout are biting well on shrimp and jigs. Snook are biting well, but must be released due to the closed season. For more information contact;
Yellow Bait House
305-451-0921
101741 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037

Triple-D's of Marathon

The Triple-D Lure, (Daves Dolphin Demon), was designed and tested in Florida's middle keys to be one of the most effective dolphin lures on the market. It's tough acrylic head, and durable thick rubber body, simulate a dolphin fishes favorite meal... THE FLYING FISH! The head is cupped and notched to create bubbles that make the Triple-D look like a flying fish diving back into the water, stimulating big dolphin to attack. They come in two sizes, 6" and 9", and 15 different color patterns. They are pre-rigged with 130lb P-Line, and Mustad 3407 hooks. The Triple-D is meant to be fished "As Is" with no additional bait required. Trolling at speeds of 7kts - 9kts, place two Triple-D lures just behind the prop wash of your boat and two ballyhoo on drop back lines. Dolphin will usually rocket past the ballyhoo to hit the Triple-D. If you plan on trolling for dolphin this summer you should definitely have a couple of Triple-D lures on board. At just $15.95 for the 6" model, and $19.95 for the 9" model, these lures are a great value that will give you years of great dolphin action. To order your Triple-D Lure go to;

http://www.thetacklebox.com/

North Skyway Fishing Pier

I spoke with Mike at the North Skyway Fishing Pier in St Petersburg this morning. He tells me that the fishing is great with a nice mix of fish being caught. Mangrove snapper moved in last week and have been the most consistent catch. A live shrimp fished on the bottom will produce lots of nice sized mangos. Spanish mackerel are also very consistent. A #0, or #00 Clark Spoon or a Got-Cha Plug will catch lots of spanish mackerel at sun up and late afternoon. King mackerel fishing is good but starting to slow. Blue runners and greenbacks are the best baits for kingfish. Grouper fishing is still good, but most of the fish are shorts. Tarpon are rolling all along the pier. Free line a live pinfish or greenback on heavy tackle to jump some tarpon. Big bull sharks are also cruising the pier. For more information contact;
North Skyway Fishing Pier
727-865-0668
10501 Sunshine Skyway Bridge
St Petersburg, FL 33711
www.skywaypiers.com/

Jupiter Inlet

I spoke with Tommy at Jupiter Bait & Tackle in Jupiter this morning. He tells me that the offshore fishing is very good with dolphin, king mackerel, and spanish mackerel providing the majority of the action. Dolphin are thick in 100ft - 150ft of water. Tommy tells me that there are many big bull dolphin being caught. Most anglers are trolling weed lines, floating debris, or color breaks. A fore line spread, with two lines on the surface and two lines deep, rigged with ballyhoo will help you find the fish. Another tactic used is to find floating debris or weed lines and start chumming. When the fish show, chunks of cut ballyhoo on medium action spinning rods will produce fast and furious action. King mackerel can be caught in the same manner as trolling for dolphin. It is always a good idea to rig at lest two of your trolled baits with a short piece of wire leader for when the kings show.On the beach anglers are catching a few pompano. Sand flees and pompano jigs are the best baits. Spanish mackerel are thick. Got-Cha plugs and Clark Spoons will catch spanish mackerel. Inside Jupiter Inlet, there are lots of snook being caught but most are undersized. Some are larger. One of Tommy's regular customers brought by a 33" snook yesterday. For more information contact;
Jupiter Bait & Tackle
561-746-2116
141 Center St #1
Jupiter, FL 33458

Marathon Fishing is Good

I spoke with Jason at Tackle Box on Marathon this morning. He tells me that a west wind has pushed the dolphin farther offshore then normal, but those who can afford the fuel are catching lots of fish. Tournament anglers this last weekend caught many nice bull dolphin working weed lines and floating debris about 20 miles out. Jason caught over 40 schoolie dolphin off of one pallet earlier this week while fishing with some friends. They were trolling two Triple-D Lures behind the boat along with ballyhoo on long lines. Most hits came on the Triple-D's. Wahoo are also biting very well if you can get your bait below the dolphin. Fish for wahoo in the same areas, and with the same baits that you would use for dolphin. Black grouper are numerous on area reefs and wrecks. One local captain guided his customers to 5 grouper over 20lb this week. Pinfish are the preferred bait for grouper. Yellow tail snapper can be caught in the same areas as the grouper. They can also be caught in about 20ft of water from the Seven Mile Bridge. Pinfish are excellent bait for yellow tail snapper followed by chunks of ballyhoo. Tarpon are another great catch around the Seven Mile Bridge and the numerous cuts and passes that dot the Florida Keys. Pinfish and sardines are great baits for tarpon. For more information contact;
Tackle Box
305-289-0540
1901 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL 33050
www.thetacklebox.com/

Fort Lauderdale Has Kings and Cobia

I spoke with Tom at Kingsbury & Sons Tackle in Fort Lauderdale this morning. He tells me that a west wind is keeping area waters smooth, which makes getting offshore much easier. King mackerel are thick in 200ft of water. Tom tells me that they will hit almost any live bait you troll behind the boat. Good numbers of cobia are being caught just south of the Port Everglades Inlet in 120ft - 140ft of water. Pinfish and ballyhoo cast in front of a cobia will usually result in an instant hook up. When you are searching for cobia keep an eye out for cruising rays. Cobia love to follow a big ray in search of an easy meal. Snook are on the beach. Good numbers of snook are being taken from Dania Pier at night. Pinfish, mullet, and redtail hawks are all good baits for snook. For more information contact;
Kingsbury & Sons Tackle
954-467-3474
1801 S Federal Hwy
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

Dunedin

I spoke with Pat at Dunedin Fishing Center this afternoon.He says that the fishing is very good both inshore and offshore. The grass flats from the Dunedin Casuway north to Anclote Key, and south to Clearwater Pass, are holding lots of speckled trout, pompano, and whiting. Live shrimp and Berkley Gulp Shrimp are the best baits. In the skinny water behind Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island, Pats customers are finding large schools of redfish. These reds are passing up there usual favorite, white bait, for cut mullet or cut ladyfish. Cobia and spanish mackerel have invaded Hurricane Pass. Live pinfish, greenbacks, or white bait sight cast to a cruising cobia will usually result in an instant hook up. If you see a large ray swimming by, toss your bait just behind it. Cobia like to follow these rays looking for spooked bait fish. Snook are all over the beaches.Look for them in the first swash channel right next to the sand. Large jigs, slow sinking twitch baits, or a Berkley Saltwater Gulp in the Jerk Shad, Minnow Grub, or Swimming Pogy styles are all good baits. Kingfish can be found on area reefs and wrecks. Last Saturday a 44lb king was taken at Dunedin Reef. For more information contact;
Dunedin Fishing Center
727-738-5628
243 Bayshore Blvd
Dunedin, FL 34698

Gulf Breeze, Great Fishing Inside and Out

I spoke with Victor at Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle in Gulf Breeze this morning. He tells me that the fishing is great all over the Pensacola area with many different species of fish being caught. In Escambia Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway, speckled trout are all over the grass flats. A live shrimp either free lined or under a popping cork works great for catching trout. There are also good numbers of redfish on the grass flats and around docks. Live shrimp and white bait work well for reds. A few early season flounder are also starting to show. Pompano fishing is good in the surf. Sand flees, pompano jigs, and live shrimp all work well for catching pompano. Offshore, the reefs and wrecks are holding amberjack, red snapper, and grouper. Anchor near the structure and look for amberjack circling above. Hard tails and pinfish are great baits for amberjack. Drop them to about the same depths the aj's are swimming and hold on! Cigar minnows and pinfish will catch the red snapper and grouper. Keep your bait on or near the bottom just off of the structure. Offshore trolling near the edge and the nipple is excellent right now. The blue water has moved in close bringing wahoo, tuna and dolphin with it. For more information contact;
Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle
850-932-6789
825 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
www.gbtackle.com/

Naples Grouper are Shalow

I spoke with Phil at Captain Pete's Bait & Tackle in Naples this morning. He tells me he has been fishing with Captain Pete in about 50ft of water, west of Marco Island, and catching limits of grouper and lane snapper. They are looking for hard bottom on the depth finder and then watching for fish. After they anchor, sardines and Captain Pete's Kandlefish Lure are accounting for the majority of the strikes. Another area guide reported to Phil that his clients were catching keeper grouper in 35ft of water. They also had another outstanding catch. A 30" flounder was landed at the same spot where they were catching the grouper! Other reports from offshore include 3 permit. Inshore, two 27" snook were caught and released during the children's tournament. There are also a lot of large pompano, 16" - 18", being taken on the grass flats.Live shrimp and pompano jigs are the best baits. For more information contact;
Captain Pete's Bait & Tackle
239-643-4466
550 Port O Call Way
Naples, FL 34102

Nokomis, Try The Jetty

I spoke with Balgrie at H2 Only Bait & Tackle in Nakomis this morning. She was telling me that the fishing is very good. The spanish and king mackerel have moved past them now, but there are still some bluefish around. They will hit a Got-Cha Plug. Anglers at the jetty are doing very well catching lots of mangrove snapper and redfish. Live shrimp is the best bait for the mangrove snapper. Shrimp will also catch the redfish, but Balgrie tells me that most of the reds are coming on Got-Cha Plugs. For more information contact;
H2 Only Bait & Tackle
941-488-8229
121 Tamiami Trail N
Nakomis, FL 34275

Clearwater Beach

At Big Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach this weekend, anglers were catching cobia and spanish mackerel. Cobia fishing is best early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Jumbo shrimp, greenbacks, pinfish and white bait all work well as bait for cobia. Spanish mackerel are best in the morning. Clark Spoons and Got-Cha Plugs will catch spanish mackerel. For more information contact;
Big Pier 60
727-462-6466
Clearwater Beach, FL

St Petersburg Has Great Variety

I just got off the phone with Larry at Mastery's Bait & Tackle Inc. in St. Petersburg. The kingfish run is still going reasonably well in spite of water temperatures climbing into the 80's. Large schools of bait remain in the area, and the kings and spanish mackerel will stay around as long as the bait does. Spanish mackerel fishing has picked back up with plenty of fish to be caught on the beach, in the bay, and at the Skyway. Cobia can be found all over. Look for cobia any where from offshore wrecks, to area piers, to inshore flats. Tarpon are really starting to come on. You can find tarpon in Tampa Bay, around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and around Egmont Key. Larry tells me that he likes to fish for tarpon with crabs, if they are flowing, or greenbacks. His bait choice also depends where he is fishing. Crabs are the better bait at Egmont Key and greenbacks are best at the Skyway. But this is all dependent on weather the crabs are being washed out with the tide. If they are not flowing, he will use a combination of greenbacks and crabs. Redfish and speckled trout can be caught all over the bay area. Weedon Island, Pinellas Point, and Fort De Soto Park are all holding lots of trout and reds. Live shrimp, either free lined or fished under a popping cork, is the most consistent bait for trout and reds. Snook season is closed, but there is great catch and release snook fishing in the same areas as the trout and redfish. For more information contact;
Mastry's Bait & Tackle
727-896-8889
1700 4th Street S
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Titusville Trout and Black Drum

I spoke with Tom at Doc's Bait & Tackle in Titusville today. He was telling me that there are lots of large pompano in the surf. Sand flees are the best bait followed by shrimp. Good numbers of small to medium sized black drum are being taken at area bridges. These are the good eating sized drum and can be caught on blue crabs. Use the crab live and whole or break the crabs in half to save some money on bait.The extra large speckled trout the area is famous for have moved into the Intracoastal Waterway. Tom tells me that they are not taking the Berkley Gulp Baits as well as they have been, so stick with live shrimp. In area lakes, bass are very active. Live shiners or Zoom Horny Toad baits will catch bass. For more information contact;
Doc's Bait & Tackle
321-264-0330
20 N Washington Av
Titusville, FL 32796

Panhandle Fishing Piers

I spoke with three different fishing piers in the Florida panhandle this afternoon.
Gary at Panama City Beach Municipal Pier tells me that anglers are catching pompano and spanish mackerel. The pompano are taking sand flees, pompano jigs, and shrimp. Spanish mackerel are hitting Clark Spoons the best along with Got-Cha Plugs. For more information contact;
Panama City Beach Municipal Pier
850-233-5080
City Fishing
Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Okaloosa Island Pier anglers are catching a few redfish and lots of pompano spanish mackerel and jack cravel. Live shrimp will take the redfish, sand flees, pompano jigs, and shrimp work for the pompano, Clark Spoons and Got-Cha Plugs will catch the spanish mackerel and jacks. For more information contact;
Okaloosa Island Pier
850-244-1023
1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
www.okaloosaislandpier.com/

Trace at Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier was telling me that cobia are a steady catch, some good sized king mackerel are being caught along with spanish mackerel and pompano. Eels and cobia jigs are the best baits for cobia, the king mackerel like blue runners and hard tails, spanish mackerel will take a Got-Cha Plug or Clark Spoon, and the pompano love sand flees or pompano jigs. For more information contact;
Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier
850-934-7200
41 Fort Pickens Rd
Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
http://www.fishpensacolabeachpier.com/

Nassua Sound

I spoke with Pam at Nassua Sound Bait & Tackle in Fernandina Beach this afternoon. She tells me that fishing is best 1 1/2 hours before low tide, and one hour before and after the high tide. Some nice flounder are being caught on mud minnows fished on the bottom. Speckled trout and whiting are taking live shrimp fished on the bottom or drifted with the tide. Sheepshead are taking shrimp fished around the bridge pylons. For more information contact;
Nassua Sound Bait & Tackle
904-277-9772
7500 First Coast Hwy
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Great Variety in Bonita Springs

I was just talking with Ken at Master Bait & Tackle in Bonita Springs. He tells me that the wind has layed down and his customers are catching a wide variety of fish. Grouper fishing is excellent. One of Kens customers landed two keeper red grouper this afternoon and another brought in three gag grouper. One was 16lb, one was 31lb, and the third was 40lb. All were caught while trolling Man's Lures in 65ft of water around breaks in the bottom. Ken tells me that this is his favorite way to fish for grouper because of the boat retelling strikes it produces. Anchoring around structure and fishing live or frozen sardines on the bottom will produce a lot of grouper. Snapper are being caught by dropping cut bait in the same areas you find the grouper. Quite a few permit can also be caught around offshore wrecks and structure. If you can find crab traps you will be able to find tripletail. Tripletail love to swim around trap buoys, but few traps are out this time of year. A good number of bonita can be caught trolling around bait schools. King mackerel are in the same areas as the bonita, so be prepared by using a short piece of wire leader above your hook or lure. Cobia are cruising the beach. Some pompano are also on the beach. Tarpon are in the passes around Sanibel Island. Look for tarpon around Knapps Point to the south and Redfish Pass farther north. A decent number of speckled trout are being caught in the Intracoastal Waterway along with huge redfish. Sharks are every where! For more information contact;
Master Bait & Tackle
239-992-2553
4465 Bonita Beach Rd
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
www.masterbaitonline.com/

Flagler Beach, Look For Clear Water

I was talking with Roy from Roy's Bait House in Flagler Beach this afternoon. He tells me that if you find the clear water, you will find the fish. Inshore, the sheapshead, trout, redfish, and pompano are all biting very well. Live shrimp works great for sheepshead, trout, reds, and pompano. There is a big run of flounder in the area. In a tournament last week, a 7lb flounder was weighed . Live shrimp and smaller bait fish bounced on the bottom will draw strikes from flounder. On the beach and at the pier, Roy's customers are catching bluefish, black drum, flounder, pompano, and whiting. Shrimp, sand flees, pieces of crab, clams, and pompano jigs are all good baits for the beach. One of Roy's customers, Roby Thomas, went offshore yesterday and caught four nice dolphin, several amberjack from 10lb - 15lb, and bonita. On the way in they spotted several cobia swimming toward the beach, but were unable to stop to fish for them. For more information contact;
Roy's Bait House
386-439-2200
105 N 2nd St
Flagler Beach, FL 32136

Homosassa Fishing is Hot!

I spoke with Nancy at Mac Rae's Bait House in Homosassa this morning. She was telling me that the fishing is hot right now both inshore and offshore. Inshore, speckled trout and redfish are tearing up the grass flats. Free line a live shrimp or pin fish over the grass for great speckled trout action. Look for sand holes and deeper depressions in the grass and float your bait over them. The trout will ambush bait as it floats over these areas. Redfish will stay near the many oyster bars and mangrove shore line of Homosassa. They will move on to these areas at higher tides and move to deeper water near by on the low tides. Live shrimp, fiddler crabs, Berkley Gulp Shrimp, and gold spoons are the best baits. Offshore fishing is at its best right now. Kingfish and spanish mackerel are all over the place. Troll large, lively bait fish, what ever is swimming in the area you are fishing, for the king mackerel or throw Clark Spoons, Spoon Squid, or Got-Cha plugs around bait schools for spanish mackerel. Grouper are in 20ft to 40ft of water which is 20 to 40 miles offshore. The water is shallow offshore of Homosassa. Nancy tells me that it drops one foot in depth for every mile you travel away from land. Look for drop offs or other structure to find grouper. Pin fish and live or frozen bait fish will be the best baits. Cobia have moved into the same areas as the grouper and mackerel. Look for cobia around any kind of structure. Live pin fish are the best bait. For more information contact;
Mac Rae's Bait House
352-628-2602
5290 S Cherokee Way
Homosassa, FL 34448

Snook Season Closed in Gulf

Snook season is now closed in the entire Gulf Region from Monroe Co./ Everglades National Park, to the N.W. boarder at Gulf Breeze. You may not keep any snook caught in this area.