TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Front Will Cool Off The Fishing

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 3, 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.

This week's cold front will shut down most fishing for a few days. The rapid drop in water temperature will run bait off the flats to deep water, and the snook, reds and trout will follow. Offshore, the water will be muddy out to about 60 feet, and there will be a big swell running for at least three days after the winds die down.

Bay area power plants will be good places to fish. The warm water plume creates a comfortable environment for all kinds of fish and bait. Cobia tend to bunch up at the plants when the air and water turn cold. Live pinfish, if you can find them, or live shrimp are good natural baits. The most popular artificial is a 10-inch black or purple Gulp worm. Sharks and jacks can also be found in good numbers in the warm water.

Rivers will also be good places to find fish and be out of the cold winds. Try casting the banks and structure in the Hillsborough, Alafia, Little Manatee, Manatee, Anclote and Cotee rivers using soft plastics or live shrimp.

One of the things I like to do this time of year is check all my gear. Look at all your rods and reels and see if they need maintenance. Check and organize your tackle box. Buy a program to catalog and organize your GPS numbers. Take your boat in for service. Check bait well and bilge pumps, batteries and electrical systems and do a service check on your motor.

Captain Bill Miller hosts "Hooked on Fishing" on Thursdays and Sundays from 7-8 p.m., and Fridays and Mondays from 11 a.m.-noon on Bright House Networks Catch 47.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT