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Docks Result In Good Outings

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 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.

On the two occasions we could get out this week, the windy conditions kind of dictated our days. Thankfully, the fish gods have loaded the Bay area docks and residential canals with a lot of different species.

Early in the week, working the docks in the Apollo Beach area, we were able to round up some nice trout. Fishing in about 10 feet of water with live shrimp, we caught and released 20 to 30 slot-sized trout. Using a small, light-wire hook with a split shot added about 18 inches up the leader seemed to be the trick. This technique also landed us several black drum and a couple of sheepshead.

Working docks can seem a little tedious because of the large number of them that actually look like they should hold fish. They're a lot like offshore fishing for grouper; it's a game. The more spots you hit, the more you'll find that hold fish.

On our second trip of the week, we worked the docks in south St. Petersburg along the Intracoastal Waterway. This area provides a lot of great fishing and a great escape from the wind. We managed to round up several nice redfish and a couple of small snook. The bait of choice was our trusty 3-inch Berkley Gulp shrimp in natural color worked slowly on a quarter-ounce Mission Fishin jig head. The deeper docks seemed to produce the best.

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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