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On most days, the lower parts of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay have many different fish, including tarpon, grouper, snook, redfish, trout and mackerel. Wind direction and tidal flow dictate which species to target.
Tarpon, grouper and mackerel are in Tampa Bay. Look for tarpon in the early morning near bridges. Free-lined threadfins near the tide change are the best bet. Grouper are being trolled for along the shipping channel. Target the end of a tidal flow, the slack and the start of a tide.
Mackerel has been steady over the grass flats in 5 feet. Hot spots are markers and tri-pods north of the Pier. East winds put them off the beach. With a frozen chum block, fish during a strong tidal movement with whitebait rigged to a long shank hook and 30-pound monoleader.
Snook are spread out. If you see a school, chum with live whitebait and work the outgoing tide after the new moon. Trout are moving to the thick grass beds during strong incoming tides.
The best action has been on the edges of potholes. Jigs, plugs and whitebait work, but you could free-line a scaled sardine for the big ones. The reds are in tight schools and must be approached with a pushpole or by wading. Trolling motors and idling boats spook them.
- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.