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Fish Tales
Just another typical spring, I guess
By CAPT. TYSON WALLERSTEIN
Article published on Thursday, April 19, 2007 |
We’re fortunate here on the Suncoast in that we can enjoy some early spring fishing, which at times can be outstanding.
While the rest of the country is receiving snow and freezing temperatures, our weather remains mild even after a late season front moves through the area. On the flip side, though, these late season fronts can all but shut down the fishing for several days, mainly due to the high winds.
What was an excellent kingfish bite before this last front has now been reduced to a trickle. Many anglers found it tough to find any kingfish in last weekend’s Clearwater Rotary tournament, while others brought in some monsters with a 48-pounder taking top honors.
As we set our sights on next weekend, it’s anyone’s guess what the conditions will be like. So far the temperatures look to be on the rise and that’s the most important thing. We really need that water temperature to stabilize in the mid 70s before this season’s run turns wide open. If it’s windy, one good place to go (and perhaps the onlyplace ) would be the 90-foot hole at Egmont Key.
This area can stay relatively protected in most winds and is a fish magnet. You also can troll around the channel markers leading out to the gulf. They always seem to hold bait and are natural kingfish attractors.
Also be ready for a cobia encounter. We haven’t received a big push of them yet due to the inconsistent weather, but this is the time of year for it and if you get lucky you could definitely get into them.
The inshore scene is all mixed up after last weekend. The red fishing remains pretty good around many of the docks and oyster bars along the Intracoastal Waterway. Those big schools of reds on the flats are becoming harder to find and if you do find them getting them to feed can be another story.
I’m not quite sure if the angling pressure is to blame or if they’re moving off to spawn. At any rate you’re still likely to encounter plenty of redfish mixed in with schools of mullet from Tierra Verde to Tarpon Springs.
The speckled trout bite has been good lately with quite a few big fish being caught along the pass jetties, as well as the spoil islands in Dunedin. Target these spots when the tide is moving well and you’re likely to catch some nice fish.
Snook fishing should get better this week with the onset of the new moon. Stronger tides will bring good action for those with a few live baits in the well. Target docks around Tierra Verde and Pinellas Point as well as those along the east side of St. Joseph’s Sound.
Be patient with the spots. If you’ve caught fish there in the past, it’s likely they’ll be there. The fish are just a little lethargic.
Until next week – GET BENT!
Tyson Wallerstein can be reached at capt.tyson@hotmail.com. If you have a fish picture you would like to see published in the newspaper, send it with your name and where it was caught, to: “Fish Tales,” Tampa Bay Newspapers, 9911 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, FL 33772, or e-mail it to editorial@TBNweekly.com.
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Article published on Thursday, April 19, 2007
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Tampa Bay Newspapers
9911 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 397-5563
Open Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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