Fly fishing the Bay area is continuing to get better and better. The cooler water temps are starting to settle in and the tides are getting lower and lower. What does this mean for the fly fishing enthusiast? It means sight fishing for schools or single large redfish in shallow water! We’ve been finding fish “tailing” or “backing” on grassy bottom, or cruising over clear sandy bottom. It’s the most exciting and rewarding way to fish for redfish. Getting to watch the eat or “the grab” is truly rewarding. There is also a few black drum and sheepshead around doing the same thing. We’ve caught a few, although the sheepies are very spooky and black drum are as blind as a bat.
The trout bite has been good. I’ve seen good numbers of fat and healthy looking trout. They are a great target on the fly. You can’t go wrong with a small chart. clouser fly to catch seatrout. Other target species to target with a fly around the bay right now are little tunny and mackerel. Also look for Cobia showing up on the flats and on the backs of rays along Tampa Bay’s east shore. There is some giant snook showing inside the bay, but they have been a pain in the.. well let’s just say it’s a tough challenge sight fish them with a fly.
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! Get out there and wet a line!!
Capt. Nick Angelo
813-230-8473
www.shallowwaterflyfishing.com