Fishing Report for the Clearwater Area
July 30th:
Tom, from NJ, came aboard the Salt Aire on Thursday looking for some hot summer time action. Not only did he find some hot weather conditions, but the fishing was off the charts. We started out in the morning on the flats as the tide was high and water was a little cooler, an awesome combination to catch fish.
Tom landed a nice 26 inch Redfish and followed with another a few minutes later. We lost several other reds and saw others meandering in the flats. They still looked a little lethargic as their feeding was not very aggressive. We moved on to the outside of the pass as the tide had started out. I set up on some rock jetties where the snook have been spawning. Tossed out several large live green backs up near the rocks. it wasn't long till Tom's reel was screaming. The fish went down one side of the jetty then down the other. Tom was an experienced fisherman and handled this large female snook just right. We measured, weighed and took some pictures, then sent her on her way. Nice spawner size fish at 35 inches and just over 12 lbs. Next I relocated just outside the pass where Spanish Mackerel are always a sure bet. Didn't find any mackerel, but did find some of the largest Ladyfish I have ever seen. These fish were long, skinny and high flying leapers, close to 30 inches and had to be 6 to 8 lbs. Also they knew how to rip line off the reels. I mentioned to Tom that he needs a trout to complete his west coast slam. Snook, Redfish and Trout. So we headed inside to explore a few trout locations. First stop rendered half dozen small fish and completed Tom's slam but we wanted a larger trout. After a few more stops and a few large yellow tail jacks, a mackerel and a shark, we settled down in a cut between two flats. I hooked up two large 4 to 5 inch green backs on the two rods hoping for the theory of larger baits means larger fish. Soon Tom's bait got hit. The fish came to the surface immediately and shook its head just as trout do. You could tell it was a nice size fish and moments later proved to be 19 inches. Nice slam Tom. A total of 80 inches, that's the length of all three fish. We finished the day looking for some Mangrove Snappers. This is the time of year to target mangroves as they are stacked up on most structure inshore or offshore. We lost a few fish in the structure and called it a day.
Our success came from different tide levels at various locations. Whether its cooler water from an incoming tide or moving water in or out, that's where you want to be.
Capt Gary Burch
AllCatchCharters.com
captgary@saltaireinc.com
727 458-6335
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