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A Good Day, But One Gets Away

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By MIKE ANDERSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 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: Mike Anderson, right, with "Reel Animals" partner Billy Nobles.

The fishing on Tampa Bay is absolutely beginning to rock. Slightly cooler evening temperatures are starting to push the fish into their fall patterns.

We caught snook, redfish, trout, jacks, snapper and cobia this past week fishing almost exclusively in traditional fall spots. Greenbacks freelined on 1/0 and 2/0 circle hooks were this week's baits of choice.

Our cobia did fall prey to a Berkley Gulp 5-inch Jerk Shad in pearl. This time of year, I never leave the dock without a jig head tied to one of my rods just in case we run across a big cobia cruising the flats.

On my Tuesday trip, I was joined by Bill Gieseking of Pepin Distributing and Bob Murphy of Sun Sports. We started our day by working some shorelines on high outgoing water in Cockroach Bay. We had caught and released several undersized snook, when out of nowhere Bob's drag started screaming. A big female snook had taken hold of Bob's line and was taking him for a ride.

The fish probably ran off about 40 yards of line before Bob could start gaining ground on her. It was one of those fish we all dream about - the wall hanger. It made several nice runs and put on a great aerial display. Just as the fish was getting close to the boat, it lifted its head out of the water and gave one last head shake and was able to get through the 30-pound leader and swim off to fight another day.

We managed to have a very productive day, but I think Bob will remember the one that got away for a long time.

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.c

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