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Captain's Corner: Return to normal

 
Published Aug. 25, 2015

Now that monsoon season seems to be over, we have returned to typical Florida weather. Fishing is better than a few weeks ago. Tampa Bay is starting to look normal again and some species are on the prowl. Redfish have been fairly cooperative in upper Tampa Bay and areas to the south. A lot of tributaries and creeks that feed into the bay in that area create gathering points for reds. A good incoming tide and the start of the outgoing tide have been the best times. But most of that area is very shallow. The oyster bars that attract reds can be brutal on fiberglass hulls and outboards. Always navigate carefully, especially now that the water looks like iced tea. Obstacles can crop up quickly. Snapper are still nailing live offerings around area bridges, docks, artificial reefs, rock piles — basically, any area with structure. Mangrove snapper are delicious and have a reasonable bag limit. They are plentiful and clever. This year has been especially good for memorable catches. Cooler days ahead are a great time to fish our waters. Species like snook will chow down on just about anything in sight, preparing for winter. While it is still blistering hot, mend nets, fix reels, or do repairs before the fishing, not the weather, really heats up.

Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call (813) 310-6531 or visit fishontampabay.com/captains.aspx.