Aside from the increased possibility for a Tropical storm, summer typically offers the most predictable weather of the year.
This year, however, has been quite the opposite; west winds every day have made it difficult to plan any trips offshore or to cruise the beach for tarpon.
Now, this week we have a cold front coming from the north and a tropical low from the south. Hopefully it’s all cleared out of here for the holiday weekend.
If it lies down offshore, the snapper fishing will be excellent. The approaching full moon will have the snapper grouped up and ready to spawn.
Offshore anglers will want to target big structures like the artificial reefs and the huge ledges and breaks in the middle grounds. Inshore, there are many small reefs along the beach as well as inside Tampa Bay; all will be holding mangrove snapper. And don’t forget the Skyway piers.
Veteran pier anglers know that the best snapper fishing occurs three days before the full moon and again three days after. Always remember to fish small hooks and light leaders to fool the wary snapper.
Last week we saw excellent snook action on the afternoon outgoing tides and the fish were willing to feed for long periods of time. This week we won’t see that same tide.
So if you are in search of snook you’ll have to be in your spot early to capitalize on the slower moving but still productive outgoing tide. Once the bite tapers off it’s probably time to do something else
Trout are still hot throughout the bay. Grass flats around the Tierra Verde area are full of trout.
Drift fishing while casting soft plastic jigs amongst the many potholes will provide all the action you need.
Also, there has been lots of trout along the beaches near the passes, Many times, while snook fishing lately along the sand shoals, we’ve hooked into some gator sized trout.
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.
