With the arrival of these colder weather and water temperatures dropping into our mid-60s. Sheepshead and mullet are our go to fish this time of year on the Shallow Flats around oyster beds and Mangrove lines, sand pockets. Also look for rock piles or structure in clean clear deeper water where these Sheepshead are hanging out with Mangrove Snapper. Bridge piling are also holding the big boys.
With the arrival of these colder weather and water temperatures dropping into our mid-60s. Sheepshead and mullet are our go to fish this time of year on the Shallow Flats around oyster beds and Mangrove lines, sand pockets. Also look for rock piles or structure in clean clear deeper water where these Sheepshead are hanging out with Mangrove Snapper. Bridge piling are also holding the big boys.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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!
George H.
St. Petersburg, FloridaReported 8 months ago
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!
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.
George H.
St. Petersburg, FloridaReported 11 months ago
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.
Red grouper, red snapper, Mango snapper and lane snapper are on fire in 100+ feet! Sharks are everywhere and you have to move around a lot but filling the box every trip!
Red grouper, red snapper, Mango snapper and lane snapper are on fire in 100+ feet! Sharks are everywhere and you have to move around a lot but filling the box every trip!
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Alex is a consummate professional; demonstrates the uncommon ability to banter with and keep kids on the fish while being relatable to adults. If you want your crew to experience a great time and remain comfortable, this is your guy.
We had an amazing time with Dan. We caught plenty of fish and he was great with our kids. Highly recommend using Dan if you’re in the area and want to take the family out.
We arrived at the Dock to meet the Captain and get our trip underway ,Captain Tommy was awesome right from the start not to mention very nice boat with a lot of room and very fast !!! He was an awesome Fisherman and would teach and show his skill’s and would answer any questions. Captain Tommy would absolutely put you right on the fish , if he didn’t like a spot he would drag and go somewhere else !! 10 out of 10 for us ,we would always book him if we are in the area. Hope to get him up to Destin sometime!!!
We had a rough day on the water. He is an amazing guide does everything and more to get you on fish and on the hook! I would highly recommend Matt as your next fishing guide! Great guy and very experienced when it comes to fishing the clear water area!
Captain Steven gave us a great trip catching fish. He was very knowledgeable and friendly and was a great experience overall. I recommend Captain Steven for those of you looking to take advantage of the Tampa experience.
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