Capt Jay Schroeder with CJ Flats Saltwater Charters reports bait was still plentiful throughout Tampa Bay last week and everything was biting to include Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, Spanish Mackerel, and Mangrove Snapper. All species were caught on a variety of live and artificial baits on and near the flats at Tampa's familiar haunts; however winds and water conditions were more influential in spot selection last week then tides or recent trends.
Captain Jay noted a consistent and noticeable East/North East winds generating a bit of chop. Some parts of the bay had very poor water conditions. Picnic Island for example which had been previously holding Redfish and Snook, was calm but nearly impossible to fish due to the amount of floating debris in the water.
As for tactics aboard the Ms. Guided, Redfish succumbed to live shrimp rigged on jig heads when schooled up along shoreline, Snook and juvenile Tarpon inhaled free lined pinfish on a 1/0 circle hook near bridges and pilings with good tidal flow, and Trout aggressively punished topwater plugs later in the evening over patchy grass flats.
For those in the know, this week was the opening of Stone Crab Season and the results are in: Captain Jay reports there are a lot of Stone Crabs! If you were brave enough to tackle the rough conditions and low visibility, you were rewarded with delectable table fair. Captain Jay was quick to point out these dives are not for beginners nor the faint of heart, but if you found yourself frustrated after taking a pounding looking for King Mackerel, it is a phenomenal way to cool off and fill the ice box.
For more information or to book your next saltwater adventure in the Tampa area, contact Capt Jay Schroeder at 1-877-463-4520 or email reservations@cjflats.com.
Capt Jay Schroeder
CJ Flats Saltwater Charters
1-877-463-5420
www.cjflats.com
reservations@cjflats.com
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