There are speckled trout everywhere. Saint Joseph’s Sound being one of the major hot spots. Fishing around the spoil islands on the incoming tide works. On the weekends you’ll see lots of boats fishing there just remember to be courteous there’s plenty of fish for everyone. These fish will take live bait or artifical’s with tremendous tenacity. For beginners, kids, or folks that just like to catch fish a live shrimp under a popping cork is a hard combination to beat. If you want to teach someone to use artificials the DOA Deadly Combo, basically it’s a DOA shrimp under a clacker cork, is the ticket. It’s easy and most important effective. Mirro Lures Little John is making some noise on the artificials scene as well and never never forget about the Berkley Gulp, it’s a producer always. The trout fishing in upper Tampa bay has been on fire as well with tons of smaller redfish as well. It seems that all of our rivers, canals, and typical winter haunts are holding lots of lower slot size and undersize redfish. The way I like to fish these is a live shrimp on a 1/4oz Cal Jig head, tail hooked. While pitching these be ready for the occasional River Chicken (Sheep head) as they are there in numbers as well.
I ask all of you weather you are at Gasparilla this weekend or out fishing to take a few minutes, and say a prayer for the families of the fallen Police Officers as these are trying times we are living in and these guys are trying to keep us all safe. It’s a waste and a horrific tragedy
Be sure to tune in on Saturday mornings at 6:30 on News Channel 8 WFLA for The Reel Animals Fishing Show and listen to Captain Mike on 970 AM WFLA from 6-9 am on Reel Animals Saturday. Call in on Sunday’s to WDAE 620 AM The Sports Animal for the T.A. Mahoney Reel Animals Fishing Show to win some cool fish gear from 7-9 am. Also visit our website @ www.reelanimalsfishingteam.com and friend us on face book or call 1-866-GAMEFISH to book your fishing trip of a lifetime and until next week, “Do yourself a favor and take a kid fishin’."
