Inshore fishing report

Cool water calls fish to action

By DAVE WALKER
Published October 14, 2005

After a challenging summer, the fishing in Tampa Bay has improved dramatically. Over the past several weeks, consistent catches of redfish, snook and, quite recently, Spanish mackerel have been the norm.

Enjoy it now, because traditionally things come to an abrupt halt after the first several significant cold fronts.

For live-bait fishermen, there is a plethora of "new school" sardines that have matured enough to be great bait. They can be found on almost any grass flat from St. Petersburg north to the Courtney Campbell Parkway. A cast net with small mesh is preferred, as baits tumble out more easily and fewer get stuck. The wrong net can cause the smelly and time-consuming task of removing "gillers". Most traditional chum recipes work to attract and concentrate baitfish. A standard potion that has proved itself time and again is a bag of old-fashioned corn meal and a can of jack mackerel. Mix one pound of meal with one can of mackerel and add half a can of water. The use of menhaden oil can be helpful, but one must determine if the "olfactory pleasantries" of the smelly juice are worth a few extra baits, and menhaden oil is a stinky mess if it spills.

As water temperatures continue to drop, artificial lures will become more and more effective. When fished correctly, they can be deadly. And artificials are especially appealing because throwing a cast net in cold water can be a miserable experience.

The redfish bite has been hot and should continue for weeks to come. Oyster mounds and the flats adjacent to mangroves are likely fall haunts. Typically they stay in the shallows until mid November.

Shrimp, greenbacks or small pinfish catch reds. Gold spoons and surface plugs can offer great action as well. Look for mullet schools, which reveal the location of redfish and other game fish such as snook.

Snook activity has increased substantially. Other than the first part of spring, the fall season offers anglers some of the best "robalo" fishing of the year.

It is common to have the snook stage into small groups during the fall, and the water usually clears up enough to offer sight-fishing opportunities. The snook are fattening up for winter and are less of a challenge to catch than during other parts of the year.

Live bait has been the most productive method for consistently catching snook.

Spanish mackerel have returned to the scene. Almost overnight the macks infiltrated Tampa Bay all the way to Gandy Bridge. These toothy battle axes are a sight for sore eyes. After an unusual summer, it is nice to have the seasonal pelagics back.

Typically Spanish mackerel are easy to catch and generally fight like there is no tomorrow. The use of long-shank hooks is extremely helpful when targeting these aggressive fish. Handling mackerel should be done carefully - they have sharp teeth that will cut fish and humans to the bone. Bite them back - Spanish mackerel are delicious after being prepared in a broiling pan or in a smoker.

A loose drag should be used at all times for Spanish mackerel. They make an initial long run but tire eventually. Also, the use of a chum bag helps gather macks.

The shipping channels, range markers and spoil islands offer great Spanish mackerel habitat. The incoming tide seems to be the best to target them.

Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call 813 310-6531 or visit www.snookfish.com

[Last modified October 14, 2005, 01:41:14]