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It's Best To Get Out There Early

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 8, 2008

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Mike Anderson, right, with "Reel Animals" partner Billy Nobles.

Running all of our trips early this week seemed to pay off. With the steady dose of Florida sun keeping the water and air temperatures high, it was best to get an early start. We had a steady snapper bite all week, with almost every rock pile we fished holding good amounts of keeper-sized fish.

The enormous amount of small white bait in Tampa Bay is ideal for snapper fishing. These fish are easily chummed up, and they are a blast on light tackle for the kids. We also had good luck on the snapper while fishing for Spanish mackerel on some of the Tampa Bay area range markers.

The crazy feeding frenzy of the mackerel creates a fantastic chum slick near the bottom, and that will get the snapper bite going. Make sure to drop a line to the bottom when you're chasing mackerel.

Captain Chad Manning reports night fishing on the docks around Tierra Verde is excellent right now. Big snook and nice, keeper-sized trout are sure bets. Chad says his best bites are coming on the DOA glow shrimp and the Berkley Gulp 5-inch jerk shad in white. Target the docks with the best lights and moving water.

Redfish are also starting to cooperate, with nice-sized schools starting to show up from Weedon Island down to Fort DeSoto. Captain Jamie Goodwin reports his best bites are coming on big threadfin herring floated under a cork. Berkley Gulp shrimp worked slowly also have been effective.

Catch captains Billy Nobles and Mike Anderson on the "Reel Animals Fishing Show" on Saturdays from 6:30-7 a.m. on WFLA, Channel 8, and on Sundays from 8-10 a.m. on WHBO, 1470 AM. To book a charter, call 1-866-GAMEFISH or visit www.reelanimalsfishingshow

.com. .com.

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