Lakewood Ranch Weather Forecast
Fishing reports straight from our guides in Lakewood Ranch
Shrimp For The Win!
I always say, “Fish are Fickle.” That’s particularly true this time of year with the advent of a passing cold front every three to four days. One day the fish are active, the next day lethargic.
After a cold front, even when I take the time to catch scaled sardines before picking up my charter clients, the fish barely respond to them. Fortunately, I always stop on my way to the boat ramp and buy some live shrimp for a backup. Having those shrimp aboard usually saves the day.
At times like these, turning shrimp can...
I always say, “Fish are Fickle.” That’s particularly true this time of year with the advent of a passing cold front every three to four days. One day the fish are active, the next day lethargic.
After a cold front, even when I take the time to catch scaled sardines before picking up my charter clients, the fish barely respond to them. Fortunately, I always stop on my way to the boat ramp and buy some live shrimp for a backup. Having those shrimp aboard usually saves the day.
At times like these, turning shrimp can...
I always say, “Fish are Fickle.” That’s particularly true this time of year with the advent of a passing cold front every three to four days. One day the fish are active, the next day lethargic.
After a cold front, even when I take the time to catch scaled sardines before picking up my charter clients, the fish barely respond to them. Fortunately, I always stop on my way to the boat ramp and buy some live shrimp for a backup. Having those shrimp aboard usually saves the day.
At times like these, turning shrimp can make all the difference in the world. These hardy baits are appealing to game fish even when bait fish become scarce, dramatically increasing your chances of a successful catch.
Shrimp are known as the “Sara Lee” of baits. “Nobody doesn’t like a Sara Lee.” Snook, redfish, seatrout, sheepshead, and more love them. I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Not to sound like “Bubba” from the movie Forrest Gump, but you can catch fish with live shrimp, dead shrimp, frozen shrimp, or pieces of shrimp. “That’s, that’s about it!”
Additionally, crustaceans like shrimp are not only versatile but also resilient in colder water conditions, which makes them a reliable choice when other baits fail. Their natural scent and movement attract a wide variety of species, ensuring that anglers have a dependable option throughout fluctuating water temperatures.
If you like to fish with artificials or flies, shrimp imitations are the perfect cold-weather bait.
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With Tampa Bay water temperatures dropping in the mid 60s the Sheepshead & Mullet action has been the go-to species as these fish congregate around oyster beds, Mangrove lines and any type of structure that produces food for them.
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Sheepshead and Mullet are hot right now on our Tampa bay shallow flats. We still have a few huge rays hanging out but no for long as our water temps are dropping
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With the dropping water temperatures a variety species have become very active and bait is everywhere! From trout and flounder to mackerel and snook all have the feed bags on. Don't miss out on the fall bite!
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Some trout and pompano but flippers competing for them lol
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Snook have been hiding in the mangroves with a few reds around also and are willing to take live and cut baits with well placed casts. The trout bite has been on fire with plenty around on the grass flats ranging from 15" to 22". Live baits and artificial sea shad paddle tails have been catching plenty. Mangrove snapper have been on the bridges, rock piles and sea wall.
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Hogfish bite is on fire on our nearshore spots and they are eating shrimp live or dead on 1 oz knocker rigs!
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Snook have been attacking live free lined scaled sardines thrown under the mangroves some reds have also been under the mangroves. Trout have been very solid action taking live and artificial baits. Great mackerel action has been over hard bottoms and artificial reefs. Live bait and spoons have been catching the mackerel and they have been running large.
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Tarpon bite at night and day time time has been on fire! we are slaying them under the lights on the bridges at night and beaches during day.
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The grouper have been very active still, they are biting harder than Ive seen in years and more fish then we can count. the population is thick and healthy!
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Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
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