The water temperature has finally stabilized in the mid 70s and the chances of it dipping any lower at this point are low.
The bait that was easy to find two weeks ago has thinned out in the channels and probably will move on to the flats in the usual spots. The Skyway is still a sure thing if you are willing to make the run.
Last week, Ryan Gomez with Team Ferman caught and released his first snook, a 36-incher, and won the snook division of the Continental-National/St. Jude's Greater Tampa Bay Fishing Tournament.
On Saturday, the weather and turnout were phenomenal for the Mike Alstott Children's Cancer Center Inshore Fishing Tournament at Tampa Bayside Marina. Chris Casper, 13, fishing with Capt. Greg McCullough, won after catching a combined length of 781/4 inches of snook, redfish and trout.
Fishing in the upper bay has been steady, but the window of opportunity has been short. If you know where the fish are, sit and be patient. Diligence is your best tactic.
--Chuck Rogers charters out of Rattlesnake Point Outfitters at Bayside Marina in Tampa. Call 813 835-1919 or e-mail at rspo@tampabay.rr.com
