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East Bay Fishing Report

 
Published July 2, 2013

Tide-y time. The tides this weekend are awesome for just about everything. Tarpon are chewing well and the big hill tide should be fantastic for the crab flush and grinding tarpon. My guess is they will feed well before the next full moon and then move off to spawn. So if you have not gotten your tarpon fix, now is the time.

Redfish roll. On the last moon phase, the redfish were feeding well in the last hour before dark as the tide reached the predicted negative low. Finding singles and doubles tailing in a foot of water was a rush, and getting them to eat a fly or a jig was a challenge that leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment. But the highlight was seeing a school of 20 to 30 reds scouring the flats and all the tails flying like flags. These fish are eating and will eat anything that moves. My guess is they will do this again this weekend.

Snook. Female snook are packing on the weight and oils for their spawn as well. Live sardines tossed in strong current with good structure should prove to be a score. Look on the beaches and close to the passes — sight fishing at its finest. Any artificial that resembles a sardine will be swiftly inhaled.

Dancing in the dark. The night bite is turning on also. Snook and trout are the main targets, but reds are showing up to complete the slam. Docks near passes and close to the water are the best bet. The green lights are phenomenal, and tend to hold more trout than the others.

Capt. Tim Whitfield can be reached at tim@swiftfishcharters.com or (813) 774-0889.