The trout action in lower Tampa Bay is slower than in past weeks. Areas that held large numbers of keepers have been invaded by undersized trout and ladyfish. The larger fish have moved off the outside edge of the flats. They can be found in the potholes that line the inside of the grass flats. Work the area with slug-style jigs or a live freelined shrimp. Ultralight tackle in the 4- to 6-pound class has drawn the most strikes.
The best part of pothole fishing is the occasional redfish. We landed more than a few in the 24- to 30-inch class. On sunny days you could see the reds flash as they moved through the holes. When the skies were overcast, we would fish each hole for 10 minutes.
The reds have been somewhat easily spooked, moving out of the holes every time a boat passes. When a boat approaches, watch the direction the reds move. They probably will move into nearby potholes. If you can't find them, move back to the area where you located the reds. More times than not, they will return.
We caught more trout while dragging jigs through and around holes. The reds wanted a medium to large live shrimp hooked through the tail and freelined in the middle of the pothole.
Try to cover as much area as possible while drifting or using a pushpole. The effort might reward you with a pothole full of fish.
- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.
