White bait abound in lower bay; good for luring most local fish.
By DOUG HEMMER
Published May 30, 2003
Large schools of white bait have invaded the flats of lower Tampa Bay. Look for high-diving pelicans working the edges of the Sunshine Skyway causeway. A can of jack mackerel mixed with corn meal is all that's needed to chum the bait within cast-netting range. Threadfins can be found in the deeper water outside of the flats. A 10-foot net or larger is needed when casting in deeper water. Those without a net can use a gold-hooked bait rig after the sun comes up. Live bait will be the key when fishing most areas of the bay.
The deeper flats inside the Skyway are holding mackerel, sharks, trout, bluefish, jacks and ladies. Anchor over the dark grass patches in 5-6 feet of water. Throw out a chum block and a few handfuls of live bait to get the action going. Free-line the white bait on 30-pound mono leader and a long shank hook. Keep the drags light and wait for the line to start running before setting the hook. Bring extra hooks; cutoffs are frequent in this area.
Snook are holding close to the spoil islands inside the beach areas. Heavy live bait chumming is necessary to put them into a feeding mode. Free-line a white bait or sardine on a No. 1 hook and cast up-current of the school. Leave slack in the line so the bait can swim naturally. Start with a 10-pound line and 20-pound leader. Move to heavier tackle if the larger fish get active. They should stay in this area until the full moon in June. Then look for them out on the beach and in the passes.
Trout and redfish can be found on the flats near the end of the incoming tide. White bait works great, but don't overlook a small pinfish. When working areas that don't have visible fish, use a bait that stays alive longer. A small pinfish rigged under a cork lasts longer than a white bait. Most of trout can still be taken on artificial lures. Topwater plugs draw strikes in the early morning and during overcast days.
- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.
