Tarpon And Snook Are Top Summer Targets

Fishin Reports

By Captain Jazz

07/08/08

Right now finding fish hasn’t been the hard part, deciding what to fish for has. Tarpon, Snook are the top two.
Tarpon : Have pretty much spawned and have been hanging on the beaches, big bridges and canals. They won’t be in the large schools like in May and June. They will be in small pods and single fish. Running around early morning and looking for fish to roll or come up for a gulp of air gives away where they are. Baits of choice have been crabs, Pinfish, Threadfins or large Sardines. Tarpon fishing will last until about late October or early November. As summer comes so does the heat. Fishing at night is a great way to beat it. Water Temp is 85.

Snook : Have made their way to the beaches and passes. They spawn on the New and Full moons, from May thru August. On the quarters they roam up and down the beaches and hang in the passes. Live bait works well and so does artificial baits and flies. Fish during the time of the day that the water is moving. Snook are very active at night. Fishing at night with a strong outgoing tide has been great and a good way to beat the heat of the day.

Redfish : Schools have broken up but they are around. On incoming tides, the fish move up the grass flat to the mangroves and oyster bars. Sand potholes hold fish on the lower tides. Look for schools of Mullet for places to start. Use a small Pinfish or a Sardine under a float. Don't over look docks as they will hold fish too.

Sea trout: Drift the grass flats in 2-6 feet of water throwing D.O.A. shrimp, plugs and jigs/jerk baits, flies and top waters have caught some of my largest Sea trout in the morning, that's a fun way to catch any fish in my book. Trout tend to be in deeper water now that the water temp has come up.

Others: Sharks, Bonita and Spanish Mackerel are roaming the Inshore waters and just off the beaches. Look for birds diving around the bait pods and make a few casts and see what happens. Mangrove Snapper are on just about every rock pile in the bay and make a great table fare.

If you have any questions about my charters, fishin reports, send me an email.

Tight Lines,

Captain Jazz
727-409-6733
http://www.fishintampabay.com/
info@fishintampabay.com