With an area of high pressure firmly entrenched over our area, fishing overall has been tough at times.
Add in the heat factor and it can be difficult to set up on a spot and fish it as thoroughly as might be needed to pinpoint the fish’s location. As rain chances return this week along with some better tides, we should see the bite pick up.
Last week’s tarpon fishing wasn’t what it should be for this time of year. Persistent west winds have made it difficult to get set up on migrating fish.
The only effective tactic for the beach anglers has been to anchor up along known paths and wait for the fish to swim into their baits. East winds should be returning towards the end of the week, making it easier to spot rolling fish.
Pompano have been a bright spot lately. Anglers fishing bridges and piers report excellent action for pompano. Try the Tierra Verde Bridge, the De Soto piers, Dubai Long Pier and any of the many sand shoals near to the many passes in our area. Use half ounce crazy jigs or buck tail type jigs in pink or yellow.
Trout fishing has also been pretty good along some of the deeper grass flats in Clearwater Harbor and St. Joseph’s Sound. Target the outer edges of grass flats, especially when fishing the lower evening tides. Fishing with live pilchards has been very productive. Most of the trout are just keepers but some fish are in that 20-inch class.
Summer is here and so is the heat. Always remember to take plenty of water on your fishing trips. One thing I like to do this time of year is to take a gallon-sized jug of water and leave it somewhere that it’s easily accessible. This allows you to see just how much you’ve drunk.
Until next week, get bent!
Capt. Wallerstein can be reached at capt.tyson@hotmail.com. To get a fish photo in the paper, send the photo along with your name, when and where it was caught to Fish Tales, Tampa Bay Newspapers, 9911 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, FL 33772, or send an e-mail to editorial@tbnweekly.com.
