Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By DAVE WALKER
Published August 18, 2005

Anglers braving the recent heat wave conditions are either truly committed or masochistic. Oppressive heat and record high water temperatures have complicated fishing in Tampa Bay. Stir Red Tide into the mix and it completes a recipe for tough fishing.

Those who have endured sunburns and near heat exhaustion have been rewarded with decent catches of snapper. Gray mangrove snapper are continuing to cooperate by nailing the new hatch of sardines as well as regular-size shrimp. Range markers are a favorite hangout for snapper and many other species. Braided line is particularly useful when fishing in these locations. Snapper are scrappy fighters and will rip drag. Set the hook on the first indication of a strike because mangrove snapper are sneaky and expert bait stealers.

The pompano bite has slowed significantly in the last few days.

Slick surface conditions still prevail and offer fishermen great visibility when spotting feeding or cruising fish. We blew by several schools of mackerel, ladyfish and jacks, all surfacing in a frenzy. Looking for cobia is always a good idea when it is glassy. They can save the day when fishing is slow for other species. Smooth waters enable surface fish to be seen for hundreds of yards.

Snook are lethargic but are feeding in areas with good water movement. Movement is key when seeking summer snook. Areas that appear still or stagnant generally will not produce. Good water flow is imperative for summer Tampa Bay snook.

Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call 813 310-6531 or view the Web site at www.snookfish.com

[Last modified August 18, 2005, 01:05:19]