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.
Temperatures in the low 90s are quickly raising water temperatures and also keeping boat ramp traffic light. Those who are on water have been fishing very early or very late, but catches have been decent despite the heat.
Limits of bluegill and shellcracker were fairly common during the long weekend, according to reports from the Grape Hammock Fish Camp on Lake Kissimmee. Anglers fishing the lily pads near Brahma Island and Philadelphia Point seemed to have the most success with wigglers and crickets taking the fish.
Bass catches have been down with the warmer water, but a few fish in the 6- to 10-pound range were caught last week.
Be careful with larger boats, as the lake is currently at low pool and will remain that way until the summer rains begin, which is usually the second week of June. The catfish bite also has picked up on Kissimmee, especially near the mouth of the river.
Locally, the Hillsborough and Alafia rivers are also holding numerous fish in the deep holes and will continue to be easy pickings for those who will slip off the bank and walk the shallows. A cane pole or ultra-light rig and a can of worms are all you'll need to catch a stringer for supper.
Had a tough week on the saltwater front last week with just a couple of redfish and small trout. I did manage a big snook working Perico Bay throwing the Berkley Gulp Jerkin' Shad on a Strike King Redfish 1/8 jig head Monday. Saturday, a few trout were all we managed wading the flats around Anna Maria. For the cast netters there are still lots of good-sized mullet around.
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