Sheepshead fishing is in full swing on Tampa Bay right now. The bridges, docks, wrecks and inshore reefs are covered with our jail bird looking friends. I like to use a 1/0 super sharp gamakatsu hook as there mouths are super tough from chewing on barnacles and eating an assortment of shellfish. This same diet also makes them great table fair though they are slightly challenging to clean. Live shrimp work great as do fiddler crabs. A small split shot weight just up from the hook will help you get the bait down to them. Remember to keep your line tight and be ready as they are called Bait Stealers for a reason.
The Trout bite on the north end of the bay remains steady and we are getting good reports along cockroach bay as well. Live shrimp are still the live bait of choice and the DOA CAL jigs and the Berkley Gulp Shrimp remain top artificial choices. We are starting to find some big Trout up skinny as they are looking for warmth in the shallows. Work these areas very slowly as the time can pay off with the Trout of a lifetime. I have gotten several reports of fish in the 30 inch class already this spring.
Redfish bite on the docks remains steady as well. My clients and I hooked and landed 12 nice Reds on Tuesday free lining shrimp with the tide. Look for older docks as they seem to be the ones holding the most fish.
Catch Capt. Michael Anderson and Capt. Billy Nobles every Saturday morning on News CH8 at 6:30am and Sundays at 11:00am for the Reel Animals Fishing Show and Saturdays for Reel Animals Saturday on 970WFLA from 6:00am to 9:00am and Sunday mornings on AM620 for the TA Mahoney Co. Reel Animals Radio Show from 7am to 9am or to book a trip call 1-866-Gamefish.
