I spoke with Patty at Ruskin Bait & Tackle in Ruskin today. She was telling me that some nice flounder are being caught in Bishops Harbor and Cockroach Bay. Small pinfish bounced across sand, mud, or rock bottom will catch the flounder. Large black drum, 32" - 36", are being caught in the Manatee River on crabs and clams. Tarpon are also in the river and will eat crabs and greenbacks. Redfish are holding under mangroves, docks, and anything else that will provide shade. Cut mullet, ladyfish, and live shrimp or Berkley Saltwater Shrimp in the New Penny color are the best baits. Speckled trout are holding low in the grass and will eat live shrimp and pinfish. Snook are in the channels and reefs of lower Tampa Bay. Large pinfish are the best bait. Snook season is still closed so bend down the barbs on your hooks, land the fish as quickly as is possible, and spend extra time reviving your snook before releasing it. Some cobia are being caught from Piney Point to the Skyway Bridge. Cobia are not shy or smart, so almost any live bait, large jig, or noisy plug that will get there attention will catch them. Snapper are still large, 2lb - 3lb's, and plentiful in lower Tampa Bay. Look for them around rock piles, pylons, and other structure. Live shrimp and small pinfish are the best baits. For more information contact;
Ruskin Bait & Tackle
813-641-2325
1519 US Highway 41
Ruskin, FL 33570
