TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Boca Grande Winds Scatter Tarpon

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 23, 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.

West and southwest winds in the 15- to 20-mph range are not ideal for jig fishing in Boca Grande Pass. Besides the obviously rough conditions, the tarpon just don't like it.

They were pretty much scattered all over the place for most of the week. They did cooperate better on the afternoon hill tides, once the crabs started to flush. There has been some fish along the beach, but with the west winds they have been almost unfishable. This should make these fish good targets for the weekend, as they haven't had any pressure on them.

Just be sure not to chase these fish. Take your time, get in front of them and wait to take your shots. Patience is the key.

All of our fish this week came on live crabs. Although I did see captain Van Hubbard hook up on threadfins under a cork. Captain Danny Guarino reports he had a steady trout bite this week, along with several nice redfish, while fishing the south shore of Tampa Bay. Captain Greg McCullough reports that the redfish bite is still strong at Fort DeSoto.

The best bite is coming on the incoming tides using live baits under a cork. McCullough has also been enjoying a steady dose of Spanish mackerel. The offshore scene has been tough this week, but captain Harry Connor reports a very good permit bite just 5 miles out. He was using small crabs drifted with the tide.

Connor also tells me the Tampa Bay tarpon bite was off a little this week. This should change as we come out of this weather pattern and roll into the Memorial Day weekend.

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.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT