It is easy to forget about the wind and cold during the beautiful early fall weather. Breezy conditions have made for tough fishing in Tampa Bay and are a reminder of what is just around the corner.
This time of year, it is difficult to consistently catch quality fish. Drastic weather changes force fish to move much more frequently than in the doldrums of summer. If the wind keeps you off the water, even for a few days, things can be totally different on your next outing. Remembering patterns from previous years can be helpful. The problem many of us have is not writing down or committing to memory the locations and conditions of good fishing days.
This week has one of the last good tide cycles of the year. Each day has a solid high tide, which should allow anglers to hit the flats one last time for some fall snook and redfish action.
Reds still are active in upper Tampa Bay. Creek mouths and oyster mounds are holding slot-sized redfish as well as an occasional snook. Greenbacks or shrimp under a float with a light circle hook is ideal.
Snook still can be found on the flats, but they are moving into deeper water. Rock piles, deep residential canals and docks and the backwaters are great places to find prewinter snook. Live shrimp, pinfish and greenbacks are deadly for fish fattening up for winter.
- Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call 813 310-6531 or e-mail at www.snookfish.com
