West Coast Florida - Cleawater Fishing Reports
A Prelude To Summer - May '08
The Tarpon have started to show up in the West Central back waters. The best time to target these brawlers is from daybreak to around noon. For the backwater enthusiast, there are plenty of these giants from Tampa Bay to St. Joseph's Sound. These areas are prime due to warmer water and excessive bait. The Tarpon have been ranging from 80 to 100 Lbs. Now is the time to book your trip for the thrill that only the King can bring. With the weather heating up, so is the fishing. Redfish are in big numbers. Fish from 26 to 35 inches have been the norm. They have moved onto the flats, staging on sand points and oyster bars. Scaled sardines and small pinfish have invaded the flats, which has gotten these Reds fired up. Snook are up and down the beaches and in the passes. White bait has been the bait of choice to coax these weary fish into feeding. Fish ranging from 5 to 20 Lbs. has been the norm. Spanish Mackerel have started to show up. These fish are in the 2 to 4 pound range. This is the month to achieve the Grand Slam.
Now Is The Time / March 2008
If you are a Tarpon enthusiast, or want to catch the fish of a lifetime, now is the time to book your trip. April through October is prime Tarpon fishing. Clearwater has some of the best Tarpon fishing that the west coast of Florida has to offer. Most people think that Boca Grande is the hottest Tarpon spot, but Clearwater is every bit as good. Now with less pressure on these giants because of many guides heading further south, the west central coast is a force to be reckoned with. Whether you are a seasoned fly fisherman or a novice, you can make that dream a reality. Last year we hooked over 200 fish and boated 112 of them. The smallest was 100 lbs, and the largest was 184 lbs. If you want that shot of a lifetime, we can make it happen. Don't forget the Snook, Redfish and Shark! Capt. Craig
Reel in the New Year - January 2008
Fishing has been excellent. Trout ranging from 19" to 26" has been the norm. As of January 1st, when season opens, we will be able to keep these tasty fish. Redfishing has gotten much better. Top water and dead sticking has been the most productive methods. The upcoming new moon and negative tides will bring great sight fishing for tailing Reds. Snook have finally started to move into the canals to seek warmer water. These bruisers have ranged from 30" to 40 plus inches, so as long as you don't mind a little cooler temperatures, fishing will be hot.
The Thrill Of The Chill - November
The return of the cold fronts as brought in our migratory fish. Schools of big Mackerel are everywhere. These Speedsters have been averaging 3 to 6 lbs. They are ravaging everything from white bait to plugs, as well as flies. Their big brother, the King Mackerels are here in full force. Fish from 15 to 40 lbs. have been eating the Spanish Mackerel as well as Ladyfish and Mullet. The bigger the bait, the better to catch that big Smoker. Redfish have started to school up on the flats near oyster bars. These Bruisers will start to change their feeding pattern to crustations over the next month as the water chills, and the bait becomes less prevalent. Though Trout season is closed for the south region, there has been a good push of these fish to our area. The Trout have been ranging from 17 to 25 inches. The norm has been fishing shallow flats with lots of pot holes in 1 to 3 ft. of water. Snook have started to move towards their winter spots. Docks near residential canals have been the most productive areas. Chum these areas with white bait, as it will give up where they are hanging out, as some docks can be deeper than others. They are also in the deeper cuts off the flats. Use the same technique to locate where they are more concentrated. If you have been thinking of booking a trip, now is the time to pick up that phone.
October 2007
October is one of the best months to fish with the wide variety of species. There are multiple ways to catch fish, from the novice to the pro. It can get crazy at times. The Redfish have only been taking artificials. Tarpon, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Sharks can be caught off the beaches with big pilchards. There is such an influx of frybait, that this attracts all of the different species. Any kind of style of fishing will produce many different fish, so if you're ready to catch a variety, now is the time to book a trip.
Pure Heat (July 2007)
With our recent hot temperatures and water temps hovering at 90* in the Gulf, and mid 90's in the backwaters, you'd think fishing would be slow. But on the contrary, fishing is just as hot as the weather. Tarpon have been my mainstay. Whether it's in the Gulf or the backwater and passes, these giant Silver Kings have been feeding well on crabs and big pilchards. We have had several takers, catching a decent number of these Chrome Battlers, ranging from 40 to 150 lbs. This trend will continue through July, so if you want to test your endurance, now is the time. Snook fishing has been some of the best I've seen in years. Snook have been everywhere, but most are close to the passes due to the slightly cooler water. These Bad Boys have been feeding on pilchards at the end and the beginning of the tides. Most fish are averaging 8 to 16 lbs. Redfishing has been awesome with 25-31 inches being the norm. The beginning of the outgoing tide has produced the most results. These Reds have been hanging on oyster bars and drop offs with good water flow. Dead bait has been the ticket, due to the hot water. So forget about the heat, and let's get out and do some serious summer fishing!
Bow To The King
The Tarpon have shown up on the West Central Beaches from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. These fish are in giant schools. The best time to target these brawlers is from daybreak to around 10 AM. For the backwater enthusiast, there are plenty of these giants from Tampa Bay to St. Joseph's Sound. These areas are prime during midmorning due to excessive boat traffic off the beaches. The Tarpon have been ranging from 80 to 150 Lbs. Now is the time to book your trip for the thrill that only the King can bring. Redfishing has been strong on the flats. These bulldogs are feeding on whitebait and hard plastic jerk baits. The average fish are ranging from 26 to 34 inches. Snook are up and down the beaches and in the passes. White bait has been the bait of choice to coax these weary fish into feeding. Fish ranging from 5 to 20 Lbs. has been the norm. This is the month to achieve the Grand Slam.
Spring '07
With the weather heating up, so is the fishing. Redfish are in big numbers. Fish from 26 to 35 inches have been the norm. They have moved onto the flats, staging on sand points and oyster bars. Scaled sardines and small pinfish have invaded the flats, which has gotten these Reds fired up. Snook have finally started to feed. With the influx of bait, these fish are on the flats and around the docks. Live scaled sardines have produced nice fish in the 25" to 35" class. Spanish Mackerel have started to show up. These fish are in the 2 to 4 pound range. Kingfish have shown up on the reefs in 40 ft. of water. Look for these fish to move towards the beach in the next week or two. Cobia have just started to move into our area off the reefs, on the beaches and in the Intracoastal waterways. With waters at 70 degrees, Tarpon should start to show up any time now. With plenty of bait, these fish should start showing up in the bays and backwaters. Fishing is at it's prime from now until May, so book your trip soon for an unforgettable adventure.
February 2007
With the recent cold fronts, the water has chilled to the perfect temperature. With the water in the low 60's, the fishing has exploded. Redfish are in good number on the flats ranging from 25 to 35 inches. The best time to fish in on the extreme low tides. The Reds will be tailing all over the right flats, which make for great sight fishing. Snook have finally moved into the canals. These fish seek the warmth of the dark water. The canals have very little water movement which maintains warmer water temperatures. The Snook will be found on the sunlit seawalls, which also create the warmth they desire. They are in big numbers and easy targets in midday and afternoon. A live jumbo shrimp or fly can get the job done. Trout have made a big push into our area. These fish are from 3 to 5 Lbs. and can be found in most drop offs adjacent to spoil islands and the flats. Bigger Trout will be in shallower water from 1 to 2 feet laying in potholes. Now is the time to book your trip. The Tarpon will be here before you know it, so call now for the catch of a lifetime!
January '07
Inshore fishing has been steady with an extremely warm January. Trout fishing has been hit or miss. Speckled Trout have not made a big push to our area. Until we start cooling down, these fish will be moving around to keep us guessing. Silver trout are thick on the beaches , which creates non stop action. Once located, these fish will feed fast and furious for hours.. Redfish have just started to school on the flats. These fish are sitting near pot holes which make for great sight fishing. Snook are still on the flats cruising around due to the warm water. A live well full of live pilchards can produce some great action. As water temperatures drop, look for fishing to really heat up.
A View to a Chill - 10/4/2006
With water temperatures starting to cool, fall fishing patterns are beginning to emerge as the inshore and nearshore fish start to move to their desires area. Snook are moving into deep spots on spoil islands and mouths of creeks. Redfish have started to school in big numbers. These fish have been in schools of 50 to 300. Lower tides have made them easier prey being they can't get under mangroves. They have been spooked very easily. The best way to fish them has been to poll slowly toward the school. The most productive bait has been soft plastic jerk shad with weedless worm hooks, to create a subtle presentation on the water. Spanish Mackerel fishing has been strong with lots of bait. These speedsters have been in big schools. Mingled in have been big Black Tip Shark and Tarpon, which can make for some great action.
Bring on the Heat - 7/7/2006
There's no question that July is a little uncomfortable for anglers, but getting out early can make all the difference. Patterns have changed. Snook are on the beach and near the passes for a little more stability in the water temperatures. Daybreak and night fishing have been most productive, and live white bait has been the ticket for success. Redfishing has been some of the best I've seen in years. Nice schools of 20 to 50 fish make an easy target for the fly enthusiest. Artificials, such as topwater plugs, can also create some heart stopping action. Tarpon are changing their pattern from big schools on the beaches, to taking residence in the back waters of the intracoastal waterways. These giant Silver Kings will eat just about anything from dead shad, mullet and ladyfish, to hard plastic plugs or soft plastic jerk shad. This pattern will continue through September. If you're into Shark fishing, now is the time. Shark spawning for the next two months can create great action in the Gulf as well as the flats, and fish from 10 to 300 pounds can be caught consistently. Right now, Snook, Red and Tarpon fishing are at their best, so let's get out there early and beat the heat !!
It's Almost Time - 3/8/2006
With spring just about here and the nice weather, things are about to explode. Snook have moved out to the flats and are getting aggressive. Redfish are in full swing with extremely clear water, and sight fishing is off the hook. Big trout have been layed up in potholes, making them easy prey. Cobia have been starting their migration, following the big southern Stingray. If this weather continues, Tarpon will make an early show in the Clearwater to Tampa Bay area. Now is the time to start booking your trips for Tarpon and Snook For late April, May and June to experience some heart pounding/rod bending action!!
Don't Stop The Hunt - 12/18/2005
Even though Snook season closed December 15th, they can be caught the entire winter. Fish get packed up in residential canals even though the water gets cold. These Snook live in dark, muddy bottom canals that create heat in order for them to survive. As the surises high, the temperature warms quickly increasing their feeding cycle which can create explosive action. Redfish and Trout are always the top fish for winter. Reds don't mind if the water is 90 or 60 degrees which make them one of the most productive sportfish. They will eat many patterns of fly and top water plugs for some heart stopping action. Trout will stage in deep cuts early in the morning where the water is a couple of degrees warmer. Live shrimp, jigs, and soft plastic jerk bait work exceptionally well. As the day warms, the big trout move to the shallow flats. These will be your larger fish, ranging from 3 to 6 pounds. Because of extremely clean water, sight fishing for all three species hasbeen consistant. Whether it's fly, spin or plug, come and check out some of the best fishing Clearwater, FL has to offer.
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