August – Clearwater Fishing Charters / Homosassa Scalloping Trips

Posted on August 10, 2016August 10, 2016 by admin

Fishing charters in the Clearwater, Tampa, St.Pete area are hot during the month of August for both the people… and the Fishing!!! For anglers that are willing to fish during the dog days of summer the rewards can be worth it. Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Huge Black drum, Snapper and permit are schooled up and have been providing awesome action, Scallop season is still open, and Night fishing is also an option!

Kids are getting ready to go back to school, but for those that don’t have those obligations and are wanting to get out now is a great time. We have almost exclusively been fishing the morning to avoid the afternoon storms, but this week has been opposite with storms forcing cancellations most of this week, but the rest of the month be should be back on track fishing every day!

Snook have spawned for the most part and are slowly leaving the beaches and passes making there way back into the bays and estuary, not all the fish will leave beaches but the vast majority are in the process of leaving. Snook fishing will be good as these fish will be hungry since they have spawned. Live sardines will be key to fishing the snook in the coming weeks, and having a steady supply will be worth the effort.

Red fishing is turning on better and better each day as the schools of fish come into the bay gathering up for the spawning season. Schools of over slot Redfish can be found this time of year for anglers willing to invest the time, Sometimes it takes awhile to locate the fish as they move up and down the flats but once located and fished with live and cut bait the rewards can be worth the effort. Slot size Redfish have also been around in fair numbers in the areas im fishing.

Monster black drum are covering the bay bridges and for the anglers looking to tangle with these giant fish there have been a ton of them around. Fresh blue crabs fished around the bridges have been producing they brutes, and jigs will also work. These fish range in size from 10lbs up to 60lbs, and once a school is located they are willing to bite.

Snapper fishing has been outstanding. Limits of these snapper have been coming quickly, and they are great table fair. The limit of snapper is 5 fish per person, and they average about 13” in size. Typically we fish around structure, which can be anything from artificial reefs to bridges. Live sardines free-lined or on the bottom work well.

Tarpon fishing has still been hot and the fish of all size are around. Now that the spawn is over the breeder size Tarpon are feeding heavily in preparation for winter, and if you can find them it can be outstanding action. Smaller tarpon are also around in the 1-20lb range and are a blast to catch with light tackle and fly. Tarpon fishing will remain good for the next few months.

Permit have been around for anglers looking to catch there “Bucket list fish”. Permit are schooled up and for anglers looking to target them nothing beats a live crab for these fish. Permit have been in 10-25lb range and will hang around for the next couple of months.

Scallop season is still open and this year has been awesome with nice limits of scallops being caught on most trips. We have been finding scallops in the 2′-6′ range NW of the Homosassa River. The limit on scallops is 2gals per diver, and 10gals per boat. Scallop season runs until September 24^th.

Tight lines,

Capt. Jared

727-831-0111

www.CaptJared.com

July Fishing Report Clearwater Fishing – Homosassa Scallops

Posted on July 10, 2016August 10, 2016 by admin

July has been a hot month as it always is, and the afternoon thunderstorms over Tampa Bay haven’t let us down each day. The fishing has been pretty good as of lately for mangrove snapper, mackerel, Tarpon, and sharks. Scallop season has began in Homosassa, Fl and it is a great way to avoid the heat while spending time with family and friends!

Tarpon fishing has been outstanding this post season and it should remain outstanding by the looks of things. There are tarpon just about everywhere in the bay and they are all sizes from 10 pounds to 150 pounds. Post season tarpon fishing can be some of the best of the year, and fishing with artificial lures like the DOA baitbuster or other swim baits are hard to beat. Look for Tarpon to be around the shipping channel edges, live bottom areas, reef, bridges, dredge holes, and areas holding large quantities of bait. Live bait such as threadfins, ladyfish, pinfish will produce bites, as well as dead baits on the bottom.

Shark Fishing this year in the Clearwater &Tampa area has been outstanding, and maybe even the best I have seen. Sharks can be found just about anywhere bait is present. The larger the bait the larger the sharks. Heavy spinning gear and wire leaders are a must, as sometimes you will hook a giant! I have mainly been fishing along the channel edge with cut ladyfish, mackerel, and jacks for bait and the black tips in the 3′ range have been the most common, with a few hammer heads, bonnets, and nurse sharks in the mix. Remember black tip sharks can be great eating!

Mangrove snapper fishing has been amazing this year while fishing over the pubic reefs inside of Tampa bay. Right now the bait has been tiny and this is the perfect time to target these bay snapper. Look for snapper in the 12-16” range on any structure in the bay right now. If the current is slow you can get away free lining small white baits on a 20lb leader with a #2 hook, if the current is moving use enough weight to reach the bottom. The limit on snapper is 10 per. Person at 12”.

Spanish Mackerel have been all over the bay along the channel edges and some of these fish have been quite large! Fishing along the dump banks that line the edge of the channel has been producing limits of mackerel if you are will to weed through the lady fish. Once anchored along the edge of these bacnks deploy some chum, and keep it flowing and the action will find you, and once it starts it doesn’t stop. Use a 40lb. Leader and a long shark 1/0 J hook for best success .

Scalloping out of Homosassa, Fl has been decent. Some days limit of scallops are easy other days we don’t always get a full limit, but we sure do have fun trying! Water depths have been between 4-8′. Look for the scallops to be over the patchy grassy sandy areas. The scallops can be in the grass but are harder to see, but during slack tide you will have a good opportunity to get them in the grass. The limit is 2 gals per. Person or 10 gals. Per. Boat in the shell. Remember to be careful around other boaters with dive flags up and idle if you are with in a half mile or less. I see to many boats speeding around boats with divers in the water, and remember to always have someone on the boat to be a look out and keep an eye on everyone in the water. Scalloping season will run until September 24^th and if you want book a scalloping charter give me a call.

Bit Report: Bait has been small and a ¼” cast is required. Larger bait can been found around the markers and bridges. Cut bait is a great alternative to live bait this time of year. For Snook fisherman live grunts and pinfsh can be caught on sabki rigs tipped with squid.

Tight lines,

Capt. Jared Simonetti

727-831-0111

www.CaptJared.com

simonetti_jared@yahoo.com

June Fishing and Scalloping report

Posted on June 26, 2016July 1, 2016 by admin

Snook, Tarpon, Sharks, Mackerel, Snapper, and Scallops were all targets during the month of June. Fishing has been very good even though the summer heat is here…

Snook Fishing has been good along the beaches and in the passes. The snook are in the passes spawning during the months of June and July and the chances of catching a nice snook are very good! Anglers wanting to target these hard pulling fish will have no problem catching them on a half day trip. Fishing typically is better in the morning or evening, but if the tide is moving the fish will still feed throughout the day. Snook fishing will remain good until the first cold fronts of the year!!

June is peak season for Tarpon. These massive game fish invade our local waters this time of year to spawn. During the summer months the Tarpon travel up and down the beaches gathering up in great numbers in preparation for the spawning runs. Targeting these fish can take some patience, but once hooked it is all worth it!! Tarpon on average are between 80-120lbs and are 4-6′ in length! Tarpon fish will be productive all summer long.

Mackerel have also entered the bay to spawn and these fish are really schooled up making for some great action on light tackle gear. Mackerel with there long stream line bodies can make long runs, pulling out lots of drag making them an awesome target. Mackerel also make for decent table fair, and great shark bait! For anglers wanting to catch sharks there are plenty around right now following all the bait schools and mackerel schools. Black tips have been the most common, but we are also getting a few hammer heads, along with sand sharks.

For anglers wanting table fair Mangrove snapper and Scallops are plentiful. In Tampa bay mangrove snapper fishing is starting to turn on for the summer season. Most of the snapper we are targeting are between 10-18”, but they are some of the best eating fish around! These fish will be hanging around any rock structure and are willing to bite small bait fish or shrimp. Scallop season has opened in the north, and we have been Scalloping out of Homosassa, Fl. Scalloping is a snorkeling activity, and a great way to stay cool during the summer while catching dinner. Scalloping is typically done in 3-6′ of water over shallow clear grass flats. The scallops rest along the sea bead, and as drift along they can easily be picked up. Opening day was a “One Stop” trip! If you want to book a scallop trip or a fishing charter call or text for available days.

Tight lines,

Capt. Jared

727-831-0111

www.CaptJared.com

May Fishing Report Clearwater Beach

Posted on May 31, 2016May 31, 2016 by admin

Snook fishing has been very good as of lately, most of the breeder size fish have moved out of the backwaters and are showing up on the beaches and in the passes getting ready for the spawn. The Snook that are in the these areas typically range from 25”- 40”, while the Snook that are 25” and under will remain in the backwaters. Live bait will remain supreme for these fish this time of year. These baits include scaled sardines, threadfin herring, pinfish, grunts, and mullet. Artificial lures such as flair hawk jigs, large swim baits, and lipped jerk baits will also work.

Redfish have been very abundant over the last couple of months and they will remain a hot target throughout the summer months. A lot of the larger size fish are in the area and will remain in the area throughout summer. Live bait and cut bait will both work, but as the days get hotter cut bait will out produce the live bait. Look for the Redfish to be school up this time of year. Mullet schools will also be a good indicator that you are in the right area.

Tarpon season is here and the fishing is getting more consistent by the day. May, June, and July is peak tarpon season for the large breeder size fish. Most of these bigger fish are staging in the mouth of the bay and around the Skway bridge in preparation for the spawn. Look for the fishing to be best around the New and Full moon phase as tides will be stronger. When fishing for Tarpon make sure your tackle is sufficient as the fish are extremely powerful and light tackle fishing is not recommended as it is not good for the fish. Extra heavy rods with large reels spooled with 50lb braid or heavier are necessary to get the fish in, in a timely manner. If sharks get on your fish when hooked up it is best to break the fish off.

Triple tail have also been caught quite a bit on recent trips. Look for triple tail to be hanging around floating structure’s such as marker buoys, crab pots, and channel markers. Live sardines, shrimp, crabs, and small pinfish will all work. Small buck-tail jigs and artificial shrimp will also get the bite. Triple tail have a 2 fish bag limit with a 15”minimum size limit.

Black Drum are also starting to show up and these fish are BIG! The black drum have been 25-50lbs and have been caught on crabs and artificial jigs fished around the bridge pilings. These fish should remain plentiful throughout the summer months.

April Fishing Charter Report- Clearwater Beach/ Tampa Bay

Posted on April 6, 2016April 6, 2016 by admin

April has started out with great weather and great fishing! Inshore the Snook and Redfish bite has been awesome, and the bait is finally getting easier. As the days get warmer the fish are getting more active, and are really feeding heavily.

Snook fishing has been awesome with some really nice fish being caught over the past week. There has been good numbers of smaller fish between 20-25”, but we also caught a fair share of fish over the slot limit with the biggest being 42”. The snook population has come back strong, and there are a good number of fish about 1/2” short of the slot limit. Live sardine free lined have been the baits of choice. Snook have been just about everywhere lately, but as summer approaches they will be heading towards the beaches, and passes to spawn. Snook season will run until April 30^th.

Redfish has also been abundant and a lot of the fish we have caught lately have been range between 25-32”. Live sardines and fresh dead bait have both been producing, but the live sardines have defiantly are the go to choice right now. Free line baits have been producing better than ones fished under a cork. Look for the schools of Redfish to get better as the month goes on. Look for the reds to be hanging with the mullet schools, up under the mangroves on the higher water.

Nearshore there are a few mackerel showing up, and the stray Kingfish. Reports of the Kingfish haven’t been strong as of lately, as the large schools of bait just haven’t arrived in our area yet. One of the first major Kingfish tournaments in our area the SunCoast Kingfish Classic is this weekend out of John’s pass so the results should be a sign of things to come.

Tight lines,

Capt.Jared Simonetti

727-831-0111

www.captjared.com

March Fishing Report Clearwater, Tampa, St.Pete

Posted on March 8, 2016March 8, 2016 by admin

March is finally here and so is the warm weather!! Fishing is also getting warmer by the day throughout all of the Tampa, Clearwater, and St.Pete! Trout, Redfish, Snook, and Sheepshead are all being caught. In the next couple of weeks bait will be showing back up and fishing will be Epic!

Trout fishing in both the Clearwater harbor and in Old Tampa Bay, has yielded good number of trout for the past two months. Live select shrimp has still been the bait of choice, but jigs are also working just as effectively. Live sardines are slowing starting to show up and if you can get them, the trout can’t resit them. Most of the trout being caught lately have been mid slot size, and make great table fair.

Redfish schools are starting to push their way into the Clearwater and St.Pete area, and the bigger numbers of fish should be showing up any day now. The size of the fish is also improving. I been still been catching a bunch of lower slot reds, but there are some over slots are making their way into the mix. Live shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait have all been working. Gold spoons and soft plastic scented baits are also a good option.

Snook season is now open! Snook are finally starting to come out of the backwater creeks, canals, bayous and rivers and should start to turn on once the water reaches the low 70’s any-day now. Snook are being caught on occasion right now, but over the next week or two that will be changing big time! Jigs and suspending twitch baits are producing for anglers fishing in the backwater areas. Live Jumbo shrimp will also work, but if you have sardines the Snook won’t think twice, as they haven’t seen them in months. Remeber snook season is open and will run until April 30^th. Slot size is 28”-33”.

Sheepshead fishing has been on awesome over the past two weeks with plenty of big spawning size fish around. Docks, rock piles, brigde pillings, reefs, and just about any structure will hold sheepshead. Live shrimp or fiddler crabs on a small J hook have been working well, and even fresh dead shrimp will work. The slot limit is 12″ and 15 per. person. Sheepshead do also make great table fair!

Tight lines,

Capt.Jared Simonetti

727-831-0111

simonetti_jared@yahoo.com

www.CaptJared.com

February 2016 Fishing Charter Report – Clearwater beach/ Tampa Bay

Posted on February 24, 2016February 24, 2016 by admin

February has been windy to say the least but I have still been available to get out and fish, and the fishing hasn’t been easy but we are still bending the rods and wetting the lines, and for most of my anglers this is all it is about!! Sheepshead, black drum, Redfish, trout, pompano, silver trout, lady fish, and jacks have made for a nice variety this month and we just never know what we are gonna catch! Fishing this time of years requires making adjustments quickly as the weather has been the determining factor most days to where you can and can’t fish. As of lately I have been all over fishing both the power plants, the ICW, and the Rivers trying to avoid the wind, while staying on a decent bite.

The Inter-coastal waterways runs from the whole length of Pinellas county, and it is the perfect place to fish during the winter for trout, redfish, sheephead, and black drum. The ICW is great because it offers protection for the wind, and there are plenty of docks to fish. Trout fishing was good but not outstanding this to dirty water conditions, and the amount of pressure they are getting, but we are still catching some quality fish! The Redfish bite has seemed to pick up over the last week with some nice mid slot fish being caught! Dock fishing has been producing good numbers of reds, sheepshead, and black drum, but there has also been a good number of redfish on the flats as well. Live shrimp free-line or with a small weight is the rig of choice.

Power plants can be “HOT” spots this time of year for a wide variety of species such as Cobia, Sharks, Pompano, Permit, Jacks, Ladyfish, and the list goes on.. I was able to get over and fish the Big Bend power plant last week and it wasn’t too productive on my trip, but that’s fishing. Reports from other captains a few days prior reported fair action on the species above. On another Trip this week I went north to the Anclote power plant and was able to catch a few Trout and Jacks along with a boat load of Ladyfish which provided my anglers with plenty of action for there first saltwater outing! Water temps were about 10 degrees higher at both the Power plants outflows channels compared to the flats surrounding them.

I was also able to fish in the Anclote River, Palm River, and Hillsbrough river this month as well, and they both provided consistent action on Redfish, Sheepshead, and Black Drum fishing the deeper holes in the rivers, and along the docks. Live Shrimp with a small split shot or rigged on a jighead will get the job done. Wintertime low tides will help with finding some of these deeper areas, and will also help concentrate the fish as well.

While fishing isn’t epic this time of year due to the consistently changing weather, there are still fish too catch and days when it is good, and others that are just nice to get out and go fishing! Spring is is around the corner and we will be back to the days we all dream of in no time! Until then this is a great time to get your tackle ready, your trips booked, and chores done so that when Spring is here you are READY!! Also if you want to get in on some Tarpon Fishing this year now is the time to start booking your trips as good Tarpon guides book up fast, So don’t wait!

Tight lines,

Capt. Jared

727-831-0111

simonetti_jared@yahoo.com

www.CaptJared.com

Mid Jan. Fishing Charter Report – Tampa- Clearwater

Posted on January 21, 2016January 21, 2016 by admin

Mid Jan. Fishing report 2016 Tamp bay- Clearwater

January’s weather hasn’t been the best, but that hasn’t stopped the fishing! Black Drum, sheepshead, Redfish, and Trout have all been caught regularly over the last two weeks. Live shrimp and artificial jigs have both been key to success.

Black drum and Sheepshead fishing around the residential docks in both Tampa bay and Clearwater harbor has provided consistent action. Most of the black drum have been 14-28” and can provide fair table fair. Live shrimp on a light jig head has been working well. Legal size limit on the drum is 14”-24” with on fish over 24” and 5 per. Person. Sheepshead have have also been in the mix and the size of the fish are getting bigger each day. Sheepshead have to be 12” , and there is a 15 fish bag limit per person.

Redfish have been caught in fair number over the past two weeks while working docks with shrimp, but most of them have been smaller in size being just under legal size around 17” with a few lower slot fish mixed in. Look for the redfish to be hanging around oyster bars, docks, and shallow sand flats.

Trout have really moved in good with the last few cold fronts, and there has been some nice sized fish being caught between 18-22”. Artificial jigs have been out producing everything else over the past week, live shrimp did produce a few fish as well as sardines, but 5 “soft plastic jerks baits darker in color rigged with a light lead head did the best. I expect the trout fishing to remain consistent for the reminder of the month. Larger “Gator” trout will also be up in the shallows this time of year and can make for some exciting sight casting opportunity as well!

Tight lines,

Capt. Jared

727-831-0111

simonetti_jared@yahoo.com

www.CaptJared.com

January Fishing Charter Report 2016 Tampa, Clearwater, St.Pete

Posted on January 4, 2016January 4, 2016 by admin

2015 came to a close for me with a solid week of inshore fishing, closing out the year strong! I am very thankful for all the support I have received from friends, family, clients, forums members, and the list goes on, I couldn’t do it with out the help of everyone around me, SO THANKS EVERYONE!!! Now back to the fishing..

Winter has arrived, but water temps haven’t dropped yet, but it has caused the fishing to be different for this time of year forcing me to make changes to stay productive. Trout fishing has been the main focus as they have been most active, but surprisingly Snook are still be caught, and they have been caught in some places they shouldn’t be for this time of year..

Snook fishing has still been productive as of the end of the year, but we might see that change with this weeks cold front. Prior to the front the Snook were being caught in the rivers, creeks, outside flats, and spoil islands. Live sardines have been the go-to bait, which still have been in abundance, and have made for some good Snook fishing trips producing 50+ fish. Most of the Snook have been smaller fish in the 18-24” range, but some nice fish in the mid 30” range have been caught within the past week. If the water temps remain above the 70deg. mark Snook fishing will remain active.

Trout have been the main focus for the past two weeks or so with the cooler air temps, and the lack of Redfish. Most of the trout have been slot size fish in the 16-17” range. Live sardines have been the bait of choice with the higher water temps, but I expect that to change in the next week or two with the approaching fronts cooling the water, and forcing the sardines out of the area and the shrimp and jig bite to turn on. Look for the trout to be holding over sandy/ rocky bottoms this time of year.

Kingfish and mackerel have still been reported in the area by many anglers in the area, sheepshead and black drum fishing around the docks will also be turning on in the coming weeks along with silver trout off the beaches as the temps drop..

Tight lines,

Capt. Jared

727-831-0111

simonetti_jared@yahoo.com

www.CaptJared.com

December Fishing charter Report 2015- Clearwater – Tampa

Posted on December 7, 2015December 7, 2015 by admin

December has began, and the weather has been outstanding! The fishing has also been great with plenty of trout, redfish and snook being caught inshore, and near shore kingfish, mackerel, and triple tail have all been readily available. Hopefully this great weather and fishing will continue throughout the month!

Inshore the trout fishing has really started to heat up, and limits of trout are being caught on most trips. Soft plastic jerk baits and live sardines free-lined, have been producing plenty of fish ranging between 14.5”-18” I haven’t seen too many big breeder trout yet, but I expect as the cold fronts to roll in so will they. Snook season is now closed, but there is till plenty of Snook being caught. I am still finding Snook on the flats, as well as in the backs of the rivers and canals. Redfish have still been plentiful out on the flats, and there are still a few areas holding schools of redfish. Gold spoons, paddle tail jigs, live sardines and shrimp are all working. Look for the redfish to be hanging out with the mullet schools and also along the oyster bars at high tide. Bait has still been on most of the grass flats in Tampa bay and it has been perfect size!

Near shore the Kingfish, mackerel, and Triple tail have been hanging around. I have been targeting depths 15′-40′ around live bottom that is holding large schools of bait. Once in the area I will sabaki a few dozen baits and begin trolling, if the area has no bait or birds I continue on till they are found. Most of the King fish have been schoolie size, but they are great on light tackle! Also keep an eye out for triple tail as they have been on the crabs buoys. Live shrimp always works, but a plastic shrimp or small bucktail is hard for them to refuse. Water temp was 71.9 on 11/30 off clearwater beach.

Tight lines,

Capt. Jared

727-831-0111

www.CaptJared.com

simonetti_jared@yahoo.com

Tampa Bay – Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter Report November 2015

Posted on November 24, 2015November 24, 2015 by admin

November started out for me in Venice, Louisiana fishing for Giant redfish for a week were we caught hundreds of them using topwaters, popping corks, and flies! Once I got back I didn’t have too many trips, but that didn’t mean I didn’t fish! I was able to get out a few times near shore to look for mackerel, Kingfish, and Triple tail, and over the past week I ran some inshore trips for snook, trout, and redfish the bite has been steady, and should improve with the coming cold fronts.

Venice, La is a place every fisherman should visit! It is know as Tuna town USA, but it is also know for the world class red fishing and it didn’t disappoint for the second year in a row! We arrived on 1^st and fished until 7^th.We towed my 23′ dorado along with a buddies 23′ Cayon bay boat which took use about 13 hrs to get to the end of road, and Venice Marina which would be home for the next week. We stayed in the cabins at the Marina which are okay, and the cost is $150 a night. The first two days the water was dirty making it hard to locate the big schools of shad we were looking for, but on the third day the winds died and water cleared up making for some Epic fishing. We caught 110 bull redfish between the three of use on my boat, and by the forth day we took the hooks off the topwaters and just let them eat!! I was also able to get a few on poppers flies which was outstanding, as well getting some sick photos and videos. One of the days we ran out to the oil rigs where we caught amber jack, American red snapper and a few lane snapper using vertical jigs, and live mullet. By the end of the trip I we caught over 700 Giant Redfish and I could hardly reel another one in!! I’m already looking for to next years trip, and I recommend for every serious fisherman or hunter to make at least one visit to Sportsman’s Paradise.

Snook Fishing has been good, but it seems like the fish cant decide where they want to be with the current weather we are having. Some of the fish are going into the rivers, creeks, and bayous, but some fish have still been hanging on the outside flats still. Live sardines fished either under a cork or free-lined a both working depending on the situation. I expect within the next week most of the fish to move into there wintering areas with the next set of cold fronts.

Redfish bite has remained good and most of the fish have been upper to over slot size fish. Live sardines rigged under a cork have been the bait of choice, and will remain the main forge until they gone. Shrimp fished on the bottom will also produce, along with soft plastic jigs.

Trout fishing has been steadily improving over the past month or so, and it should only get better as winter approaches. Trout are starting to make there way to the shallows, as well as showing up in the creeks, rivers, and canals. Soft pastic jigs and live sardine will both work. Live sardine are the better choice currently, but the jig bite will improve as the water temps drop. Most of the trout have been 14-18”

Nearshore the kingfish, mackerel, and triple tail have all been readily available. Triple tail have been on the crab buoys and floating debrey. I haven’t seen many legal fish lately, but I did get another report from a buddy that there has been some large ones to the south. Doa shrimp and small bucktail jigss seem to work every time.

Tight lines,

Capt. Jared Simonetti

727-831-0111

simonetti_jared@yahoo.com

www.CaptJared.com

Oct Fishing Report

Posted on October 30, 2015October 30, 2015 by admin

Well it looks like winter is fast approaching with temps this morning in the 60’s . Fall fishing is in full effect, and the Snook, Redfish, Trout, Mackerel, and Kingfish have been in full force! Inshore fishing has been has been nothing short of outstanding and this action will only last for a few short weeks before the first major cold fronts approach.

Snook fishing has started to get real good inside of Tampa bay. The fish are starting to get concentrated in the canals, rivers, and creeks making for some of phenomenal snook fishing trips. Live sardines will be the bait of choice until they are gone for winter. Free lined baits rigged with a 1/0 hook are the rig of choice. Most of the fish have been 24-27”, but slot fish been fairly common.

The Redfish bite continues to be outstanding! I have caught a lot of large breeder redfish this month from all the way up inside the bay, out to the shipping channel off egmount, they are absolutely everywhere. Finding the large schools of fish takes some time, patience, and but once they are located in a area they will often hold in that area for many weeks. Large live sardines have been the bait of choice now that the weather is cooling down.

Trout fishing has started to turn on in a lot of the areas I am fishing. I am starting to catch a good number of fish on rocky outcroppings, oyster beds and shallow flats when fishing for reds. Typically I found the trout in these areas all winter long. Most of the trout have been 17”-19” and have been taken using a small live sardine under a float.

Mackerel fishing has been excellent around the Skyway bridge, and along the near shore wrecks. The fall mackerel run is defiantly in full swing, and the kings aren’t far behind. In the south part of the county I caught plenty of big macks along a few kings near the Skyway and out in the channel around markers 7 and 8. In the north off Dunedin I caught plenty of nice macks, but no kings on either Dunedin reef or veterans. It shouldn’t be long till the kings are everywhere, especially with this drop in temps this week.

Tight lines,

Capt. Jared Simonetti

727-831-0111

www.CaptJared.com

simonetti_jared@yahoo.com