South Tampa Bay Report - 29 April 2009

[Capt. Tommy Z.]

I'm back! I was in the Keys for a few months on a private gig. But, I'm back now and ready to get back to the business of flyin' silver!! Now...onto the report.

They're heeeerrreee!!! The tarpon have arrived in numbers and are showing up in all the usual places. No real numbers on the beach yet with all the west winds we were having. But, all that should change in the not too distant future with the prevailing east winds we've been feeling as of this week. Typical baits this time of year include; threadfin, scaled sardines and pinfish.

The redfish bite has been on fire! The Fort DeSoto area has been covered in reds. Live and cut bait have been the key to hooking into what are mostly over slot fish.

Trout can stil be had by targeting mostly water that is 4-6 feet deep over healthy grass flats. There has been plenty of slot sized fish and a good number of over slot fish. The trout are still easily fooled with jigs and plugs. Topwater in the early morning and at sunset should be outstanding.


NOW is the time to book your tarpon charter!! The best dates and tides are filling up quickly!