Outdoors

When heat subsides, bite will turn on

By DAVE WALKER, Times Correspondent
Published October 12, 2007

Fall fishing can be stellar or frustrating in Tampa Bay. The fish are in a transitional period and starting seasonal migrations.

This year has been filled with weird weather. We have experienced hot weather for weeks now. But inevitably, a cold front will arrive and remind us - and the fish - what time of the year it is.

Redfish have been cooperative around established oyster mounds and adjacent flats. From the Weedon Island area to Safety Harbor, reds have been mingling with the large mullet schools.

Live sardines or shrimp are a tempting to hungry redfish. Greenbacks are almost everywhere on the grass flats, and the bait shops have plenty of shrimp this time of year.

A float rig with a light circle hook is an easy and effective method. When using circle hooks, just reel when a strike occurs.

Snook are starting to head toward tributaries and backwater areas. They will actively feed until it gets cold. Check the shorelines on feeder creeks or rivers for big fall snook.

Mangrove snapper are still chewing everything in sight. Small greenbacks or medium-sized shrimp are ideal baits. Mangrove snapper are notorious bait stealers, so bring extra bait. Deep structure, such as artificial reefs or natural hard bottom, are snapper hangouts. Stout tackle helps. A medium-action spinning outfit with braided line, a fluorocarbon leader and small hooks are recommended. Although they can be frustrating to fish for, snapper are delicious and fun to catch.

[Last modified October 11, 2007, 20:46:19]