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East Bay Fishing Report: tarpon, macks and redfish in early May

 
Published May 1, 2013

Get busy. Your fishing options are endless right now in Tampa Bay. The scaled sardines have moved on to almost every grass flat in the bay and the bridges and markers are covered in threadfins.

Tarpon time. The big draw that everybody usually looks forward to this time of year is starting to happen. That is right, tarpon are being caught on the bridges and small schools are showing up on the beach. The bait of choice had been big scaled sardines.

Return of the 'macks.' Spanish mackerel and blue fish are following the bait up into Tampa Bay. Most shoals surrounded by deep water are holding fish on the incoming and outgoing tides. Try using a No. 1 long shank hook tied to a 50-pound fluorocarbon leader, instead of wire. This will help you have more hook ups.

Redfish fun. New schools of redfish have shown up since the full moon last week. They are starting to settle in and eat. One day they are eating live scaled sardines and the next they are eating cut ladyfish and cut pinfish. Just make sure you are prepared to try different options in case they don't respond.

Mike Gore charters out of Tampa Bay. Call him at (813) 390-6600 or visit tampacharters.com.