Well we were lucky enough to be able to venture out on 12/24/2011 and 12/26/2011. we arrived and started chumming. Fiddler crabs were the hot bait of choice. Overall it was a great day!

MAJOR FEEDING TIME IS MOON TRANSIT TIME: 8:48 PM 
SECOND MAJOR TIME ADD 12 1/2 HOURS TO MOON TRANSIT TIME: 8:48 AM
MINOR FEEDING TIMES = Moon Rise: 3:15 PM
MINOR FEEDING TIMES = Moon Set: 1:32 AM  
Moon Phase: WAXING 70% FULL
Sunrise: 6:45 AM
Sunset: 8:28 PM

TIDES:
L 2:28 AM 1.0
H 8:23 AM 2.2
L 5:02 PM 0.3
H 11:15PM 1.2

Arrived at our first redfish location just outside of the Manatee River where our main objective was to nab a few reds. The weather forcast called for light rain and SE winds from 10-15 knots. Thunderstorms where expected by 2pm. We decided to stop at the SouthShore bait shop and purchase a few dozen shrimp prior, just as a safety measure. We arrived at the noted Redfish hole around 7:30 am, a little later than we had hoped for. I was fishing primarily Gulp on a 1/8 ounce Mission Fishin Jig head.

Justin and Vince tried their luck using shrimp under a Cajun Thunder. As we approached the mangroves Justin managed to get a cast tight to the shore and hooked up immediatley, up comes a nice keeper rat red which was released for another day. The current was somewhat still and the water was murky as expected with the hoards of rains we have had. I knew the salinity levels would be off as well. As 8:30 am approached the bait was plentyful on the flat along with the frenzing jacks, trout and ladyfish. We probably caught 75 fish between the three of us within an hour.   
 
We decided to try some additonal mangroves, and pulled a couple more reds up on this day. Overall a great day, and the storms where non existent in our area but it is always better to be safe then sorry. On this date I planned a close trip, so that way we didn’t get caught in a nasty storm.

March was a slower month then I had anticipated, although the weather was promising and the water temps stayed around the magic number “72 degrees”. I expected with the mild winter that the fish would have moved in nicely. Maybe I’m being a little premature but typically from my records, there should be pelagic everywhere, with cobia cruising and grouper chewing….Especially considering the latest change in grouper regulation, which kept the season closed until the 04/01.

I can’t complain too much, we have been going out and catching our fair share. Hopefully April will be a bit more exciting and produce the numbers I’m looking for. So far I have seen a handful of mackerel, trout, grouper and a few sharks abroad the many species we can expect to catch in the Tampa Bay. Anyone else been fishing? If so, having any luck?

We decided to get out early Friday morning. Stephanie, Randy, Susan and I headed toward the skyway span. Before we arrived we made a stop to catch some bait. After a few throws of the net we had plenty of pinfish, grunts, and greenbacks. We also came across a massive school of mullet; I estimated it was a couple football fields long. We decided to throw the bait net and see if we would get any, we managed to get two in the net. The tide had switched to go out an hour prior, so we decided to stick around and fish the grass flat. After about 15 minutes and little luck we decided to move closer to the skyway in search of grouper and snapper.

We fished a nice area that has a mixture of sandy bottom and structure. It wasn’t long and up comes a nice flounder; we caught 3 keeper flounder fishing with a slip sinker rig next to the structure. We then moved to fish a few nice ledges and it wasn’t long and we were on the grouper. I would say we caught about 20 grouper on this day. We also caught many snapper. The larger grouper fed on large pinfish and grunts. Besides the 7 mph winds it was a beautiful day and a very productive one at that. We called it a day around 3 pm.

Anyone else feeling the rain syndrome? A couple weeks ago the rainy season arrives and it came with vengeance!  Not only do we have the summer thunderstorm patterns in the evening, but it has been raining non stop throughout the day on most days.

Normally I’m very inviting of storms that lack lightning, as the barometric pressure falls the fish turn on like a switch and the bite is usually phenomenal. This 4^th of July that wasn’t the case. Bait wasn’t hard to catch but the grouper, mackerel and snapper bite was non existent. We tried to weather the storms best we could and we fished through most of the light storms but it was very unpleasant. We finally wrapped it up and left with an empty cooler. Anyone else try this weekend?

We all now how this works, yes the Florida land license was repealed by the Florida legislature and they prevailed. In the mean time other licenses and permits will increase. Two saltwater licenses where affected by the rate increases. The new fees will affect the following:

1. Snook permits will increase from $2.00 to $10.00 and lobster permits will increase from $2.00 to $5.00.
2. Turkey Permit with increase from $5.00 to $10.00 for Florida residents and for non residents will go from $100.00 to $125.00.
3. Florida waterfowl permits will increase from $3.00 to $5.00

They have now made an additional fee for deer hunting. After July 1^st we are all required to have a deer permit that will cost $5.00.

 According to FWC:

“Those with a sportsman’s license, gold sportsman’s license, 64 or older sportsman’s license, military gold sportsman’s license, lifetime hunting license or lifetime sportsman’s license will not need to purchase the new deer permit because it has already been included in each of these licenses, even if they were purchased before July 1.”

One way or another they are going to dip into our pockets.

Father’s day started off beautifully, birds chirping and the sun shining. We arrived at the boat ramp around 7:30 am, to board a 30 foot Contender.  Capt. Bill was there prepared to head offshore 50 miles.

 I loaded up all the gear and departed from the dock. On our way, we stopped and retrieved several dozen feisty baits. We had everything from pinfish, grunts to sardines. The bait wells were filled to the brim, and we were ready for some action. Checking the weather the day before we knew we would have to dodge intense thunderstorms. On our way, we ran into a cell that was just plain nasty. Seas went from a 2 foot chop to a 4 foot chop.

 Lightning was minimal and the radar indicated it wouldn’t last long so we pushed through. About 45 minutes later we arrived at our first fishing destination. We were in about 120 feet of water on an old wreck. First bait down was a pinfish, and it lasted about 30 seconds. After a few hard drag screaming pulls up comes an AJ. We caught a dozen or so and moved on to do a little grouper and snapper fishing. We moved and found a new area where the sonar just lit up with activity. First bait down, up comes a 12lb red grouper.

 We caught red grouper and there were a few gags mixed in. Snapper was non existent, it was kind of weird. We literally didn’t catch one Grey or American Red snapper. Overall the day turned out to be great and the weather cooperated in the end. I didn’t see any oil, which was nice. I’m looking forward to a tasty grouper sandwich later today.

Warm days make wade fishing a real treat. Tampa Bay produces great areas to fish but many of the areas require a boat to get out and wade. There are areas that can be reached by foot. A couple productive areas are located around Simmons Park, Fort Desoto and the Skyway flats.

I like fishing the falling tides using both artificial soft plastic baits, shrimp and cut threadfins. Some days you have to fight off the catfish but if you persevere you will find the reds. During the warmer months you have to be aware of your surroundings and watch for sting rays, they usually liter the flats and blend in perfectly with their habitat. One way to accomplish shooing them away is with the sting ray shuffle.

 Another great tip I can give you, is not to attach your stringer to your waist. I don’t think most realize how great the shark population is in both the bay and on the very same flat they are fishing. Yes most of the time you wont be bothered but don’t allow them to give into temptation or mistake your leg for a tasty mullet. Popular wade fishing rigs I use most often include a Cajun Thunder popping cork, with 2.5 feet of Fluorocarbon leader and a 2/0 Owner hook. For bottom fishing I use the same leader with a small split shot and a 2/0 owner hook.

So get out there, enjoy the scenery, be safe and have fun. Until next time tight lines!

Governor Charlie Crist. requested scallop season start a little sooner due to the crisis in the gulf. Season usually opens July 1st but has now been set to open this Saturday June 19th. The season will extend through September 1st. For more information, visit www.myfwc.com.

I did manage to get out and fish the jetty today. I had snook and redfish on the brain. I packed up the fly rod, a few spinning rods and headed to the bait and tackle store to acquire a few large shrimp. When we arrived at our fishing destination the tide was really pushing in like I had envisioned.

I caught a few Mojarra and croakers and got to fishing. I like to fish right in the wash, the fish like stalking their meal as it comes over the damn. It wasn’t long and both Stephanie and I had a double header. We went through 5 dozen large shrimp and a dozen or so bait fish. The Largest fish was over slot; overall it was a fun but intense hot day.