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Summerlike Fishing Conditions Continue Well Into Autumn

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 19, 2007

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Mel Berman.

Despite recent predictions of cold fronts descending on the Florida peninsula, we're still stuck in summer. As a result, fishing has been less than spectacular the past few weeks. And, according to the latest forecast, summerlike conditions will continue into next week.

That's the bad news. The good news is that redfish appear to be quite abundant - ready and willing to strike a well-presented offering. Just work an oyster encrusted mangrove edge using live or artificial baits and you should be able to reel in some good-sized fish.

These days, most redfishers are having their best success 'dead-sticking' chunk baits and waiting for the bottom foraging species to come by and pick it up.

And then there's the recent uptick in Spanish and king mackerel action, which should keep most fishers busy this weekend. They are concentrated in near-shore waters, along the Skyway and other big bridges, as well as in many area flats. Just be aware that you might experience some cut-offs when these toothy critters attack your bait.

That's why experienced anglers recommend using either a short piece of wire leader, long shank hooks or at least heavier leader line. A variety of mackerel baits work, including greenbacks, shrimp, spoons, jigs and plugs.

Juvenile snapper and gags, while way too small to keep, are also providing lots of brisk catch and release action on the flats.

Hear 'The Captain Mel Show' Saturdays from 6-9 a.m. on WFLA, 970 AM. Also, visit

'Fishing Florida OnLine

Magazine' at capmel.com.

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