Fishing Tampa Bay cooling temps

Fishing Tampa Bay this week we saw quite a few species still in an aggressive feeding mood. The water temp was right around 71 degrees which is keeping the baitfish available and the fish all over them. Using a combination of live bait and artificials such as plugs and jigs we caught seatrout, bluefish, spanish mackerel, grouper, ladyfish, jack crevalle, and more. Soon we’ll start using more artificials and work the potholes on the shallow water flats on low tide to catch the seatrout, redfish, and flounder that are usually found almost trapped in these holes. I like to use tail hooked shrimp, gulp, also this year I’ll be using the new Mirrolure Lil’Johns jigs which seem like they’ll be perfect for this. I’ve gotten “hooked” on these things because they’re really durable and a bag of these goes a long ways and they’re also just the right size for fish to eat easily. Fly anglers will start having great sight fishing opportunities while fishing Tampa Bay. The water is clearing and the fish will be shallow which makes them easier to see but can also make approaching them a challenge. Light leaders, quiet approach, sun at your back, and polarized sunglasses are a must.

I still have many December dates available. Our waters are still 100% oil free.

Tight lines!

Capt. Chris