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Now Is Time To Hit Rivers, Creeks

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 26, 2008

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

With temperatures running near 90 degrees, bass fishing has slowed considerably, as have those willing to sit in the middle of a lake baking in a boat.

For those who still want to fish and stay cool, now is an excellent time to wade the local rivers and creeks. While a trophy bass may be a long shot, you should have no problem taking home a mixed bag stringer of bass, bluegill, catfish and stump knockers.

Water levels are at their yearly low stage and will stay that way until the summer rains begin in June. The Alafia, Hillsborough, Peace and Little Manatee rivers are excellent places to start.
Pat Jacobs and son Dustin caught 30 stump knockers last week walking the shallows of the south prong of the Alafia dropping wigglers in the dark holes. In some instances they were standing in water no more than ankle deep dropping their bait in the holes that form around logs and bends where the current pushes the sand out during higher water days.

With water levels low, the river fish have limited access to deep water and they stack up in these areas waiting for any type of bait to pass near them.

When river fishing, it's important to respect private landowners property rights, but if you stay in the water there is little anyone can say. Start walking the bank or in the river itself looking for holes deep enough you can't see the bottom.

This is where the fish will be. Ten-pound test line, a bobber, and small gold hooks with a little split shot is all you'll need, but keep an eye out for alligators that share the same holes.

For more information,

contact Mark Cook at

tribfishing@aol.com.

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