The Tarpon Are Coming Early

Capt-Steve — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:06:23 +0000

It is getting close to that time of year when Tarpon Fishing is going to be in full swing ! The amazing thing is, they are way early. I have already put customers on Tarpon and can’t wait to get more. The Tarpon are not usually here in big numbers till May but already in March we have caught migrating fish. Tarpon fishing, if you have never tried it, is one of the most intense and exciting fishing experiences you will ever have. Tarpon can range from 60 to 230 pounds in the Gulf of Mexico and are known for their long fights, high jumps and beautiful color, any Tarpon of any size is a catch to be proud of. My customers catch Tarpon right close to the beach and in the passes leading out into the Gulf. Sometimes a game of patience, the result is a memory you will carry forward for the rest of your life. Tarpon migrate here when the water temperature gets in the high 70′s and with the warm winter we experienced, the Tarpon came much earlier than usual. Some of the Tarpon with leave for a short time usually during the full moon in June but with the full moon being so early in the month this year, I am hoping they don’t spawn till early July. In the summer months, many Tarpon move into the Bays that surround the Tampa area and I continue fishing Tarpon till October. The female Tarpon are typically the largest of the species and are here in large numbers till the summer spawn. Many male Tarpon stay here during the spawn with many fish in the 140- 160 pound range still available. The controlled chaos that surrounds Tarpon fishing is fun, exciting and unforgettable, something that any angler, male or female, would enjoy. You will find yourself talking about catching a Tarpon for months, maybe even years.

Kingfish, Spanish Mackeral Season is here !!

Capt-Steve — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:50:11 +0000

The warm winter has brought the Kingfish and Mackerel here early. Large numbers of fish have moved in all over the West Coast of Florida and are as close as a mile off the beach. The Kingfish, one of the fastest fish in the ocean, ranges from 12- 50 pounds and the speed they travel after taking a bait, is more than exciting. They have been known to take several hundred yards of line and continue to fight all the way to the boat. The Spanish Mackerel, a smaller cousin of the Kingfish, is an extremely fast fish as well and get as big as 8 pounds. Both fish are great eating, provide plenty of action and are great fun to catch. Along with those two fish, Bonita, a member of the Tuna family are here as well and provide a great challenge when hooked. They, like the Kingfish, run off a lot of line and make the reels scream. There isn’t any “give up” in Bonita and they will battle you to the end. Some Cobia are filtering in, one of the better fish to fight on rod and reel and the season is now open for Red Grouper as well. Sea Trout, Flounder and Gray Snapper are being caught, all great eating fish and provide lots of excitement when bottom fishing. All these fish are great for kids and adults alike. Large numbers of the Gray Snapper can be caught as there is no limit to how many you can keep and several of the local restaurants are willing to cook them for you in just about any way you choose.

Fishing is on! Spring Time Here

Capt-Steve — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:48:07 +0000

With water temperatures finally going up, a whole new world of fishing is opening up here on the West Coast of Florida. With the warmer water, the bait is here so the big fish are following. The Mackeral are here in huge numbers and hard to miss just about anywhere on the beach. Trout are finishing their spawn off shore and are moving back into the shallow water and Redfish are finally showing up in bigger numbers with bigger fish. Shrimp are working great for all the fish as well as white jigs and spoons. Keep your eyes out for Cobia and Kingfish as they should be here soon, and don’t forget to check out our Catch Gallery for some inspiration!

Happy Fishing!

The Redfish have arrived

Capt-Steve — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:04:59 +0000

Now that it is getting a little warmer, we are starting to see more Redfish show up in the shallow waters of the ICW. There are large numbers of “rat reds”, bottom of the slot or shorter and a few bigger fish mixed in. The winter time tides being as low as they are even at high tide are exposing a lot of “tailing fish” which means that as the Redfish move into the shallows to feed, their tails actually get exposed about the water. Be on the look out for them, approach them slowly and very quietly till you get in casting distance. You don’t need to hit the fish on the head with the bait. Cast past them and either very slowly move the bait back toward you or let it sit and the fish will find it. Again, patience is the key as with all winter time fishing. If you’re using artificial bait, any shrimp pattern moved slowly will work well.

For some inspiration, check out our Catch Gallery

Get your Redfish On!

Fishing Tips for Winter

Capt-Steve — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:43:28 +0000

With the colder water temperatures we have right now, there are several winter fishing tips that might help you catch more fish. First, the fish will move much slower because of the cold water so the first fishing tips to remember to slow down the pace that you fish. The second fishing tip is to fish the deeper waters early in the day and as the day goes on the fish will move into shallow water warmed by the sun. The third fishing tip I can offer is to use Live Shrimp or Pinfish; however artificial baits works well. The water is also very clear so be sure to downsize the leader. You can use 20lb leader for almost anything you want to catch inshore now. Being patient falls at the top of the fishing tips list. When the fish strike, they will sometimes “mouth” the bait at first and then will return to eat, so take your time. Popping corks are very popular with live shrimp or shrimp imitations under them. Again, keep it slow by popping your cork with a short jerk and let the bait sit. The popping cork mimics the sound of a live shrimp snapping its tail, so the fish will hunt the noise down.

Don’t forget to check out our Catch Gallery for some inspiration.

Here’s one of the best fishing tips: Invest in Fleece for your Winter Fishing!

Redfishing in Winter

Capt-Steve — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:28:47 +0000

With the water having been so cold early on this winter, redfishing has been a challenge. In the open water area’s you might be used to finding legal redfish, they have been replaced by “rat reds” which refers to fish being under the 18 inch bottom end of the slot. In order to find some of the bigger “keeper” fish, canal docks are your best bet, where the water is warmer. The warmer water keeps the bait around and thus, the bigger fish follow. Live shrimp free- lined or with a small weight, artificial soft plastics on a jig head or a small pinfish if you catch them, on a 3/0 circle hook, will work best.

Checkout our Catch Gallery for inspiration

Happy Redfishing. . .

Sea Trout Fishing in Winter Time

Capt-Steve — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:19:35 +0000

Now that it is winter time here on the West Coast of Florida, sea trout fishing is one of the most popular fishing activities. There are a variety of baits that can be used when sea trout fishing this time of year, the most popular being live shrimp under a popping cork. Artificial baits also work extremely well whether using soft plastics on a jig head or under a popping cork or small hard plastic baits such as the Mirro-dine made by Mirro-lure. There are several soft plastic shrimp imitations out there and you will find “glow”, rootbeer or pink colors that work best for sea trout fishing. Since the water is cold, the fish are a little slow to move sometimes so remember to work the baits slowly, even pause as you reel them in. The fish will strike almost timidly so be patient before setting the hook or starting to reel. If the fish misses getting hooked on the first strike, they will often come back and hit the bait so let it sit if missed. Please check your Regulation Book as there are closures coming up that affect us here, size limits and number of fish you can keep, depending on the region you fish in. Good Luck, be patient and check out our Catch Gallery for some inspiration!