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Storm Has Stirred Things Up

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 22, 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.
Tropical Storm Fay spent the better part of the week blowing us off the water. We have all been through much worse, but there is nothing good about 15- to 30-mph winds wreaking havoc on the flats.

Most of the Bay area flats are going to be pretty churned up for at least a couple of more days.

That doesn't mean you won't be able to catch fish. A lot of the residential canals are fairly well-protected and can serve as a great hiding spot for fish in these conditions. Be sure to work these areas slowly and methodically, and they almost always will pay off. Working these areas with a Berkley Gulp Shrimp on a

one-eighth- to quarter-ounce jig head should be the ticket.

Captain Jamie Goodwin managed to get out Monday, and he reports a steady bite of oversized redfish at Weedon Island. He said the fish were in close to the mangroves, but if you got it in front of them they would eat. He was fishing with medium white baits under a popping cork.

Captain Tommy LaRange of the Salt Rock Grill Fishing Team says he cannot wait to get back offshore, as the fishing after a big storm moves past is some of the best. The radical change in weather shuffles the deck offshore and makes the fishing insane. Pieces that previously were not holding fish will be stacked with hungry gag grouper and mangrove snapper.

Like always, it will be a numbers game. But if you play it right, it could pay off.

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.

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