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Trapped Fish A Benefit To Waders

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 14, 2008

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

Waders along the south shore of Tampa Bay and Fort DeSoto have been doing well targeting the extreme low-tide days. Pot holes and sloughs become obvious holding areas for redfish, snook, trout and sheepshead because the water is deeper and offers protection. In some cases, the fish are trapped because there is not enough water around the hole or slough for them to leave.

Wading up to, not into, the hole and fan-casting the deep water will let you know if anybody is home. Dark-colored soft plastics work well for covering lots of ground. If you know fish are in the hole, a bait bucket full of live shrimp should produce nonstop action.

Bass fishing in Lake Okeechobee is at its peak. The "Hooked on Fishing" crew was there last week with captains Brady Nelson and Josh Ramsey. Using Rattle Traps and drifting the grass beds in the middle of the lake, we scored with largemouths to 4 pounds. When the wind picked up, we found shelter in the Rim Canal. Slow-bouncing Giggy jigs with dark worms produced hot action along the deep edges and rock banks of the canal.

Reports from the south Skyway Fishing Pier say Spanish mackerel are biting well on the incoming tide. Silver spoons and cut white bait under a cork were the best baits. Grouper are still biting pinfish on the outgoing tide.

Captain Bill Miller hosts "Hooked on Fishing" on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. on Bright House Networks Catch 47.

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