We’re only a few days into April and its already shaping up to be a great month of fishing! Water temperatures haven risen into the 70’s and should continue to warm now that the last few cold fronts from March are over.
Capt. Jared has been fishing the Clearwater Beach area and absolutely crushing the pompano, catching double digits most days. Key aspects have been strong moving water in areas like passes or bridges. Docs goofy jigs bounced off the bottom or shrimp have been the go to baits. During this type of fishing you can expect by catches of mackerel, trout, whiting, small sharks and more. This type of fishing makes for fun, constant action and pompano are some of the best eating fishing around. Nearshore fishing off Clearwater Beach ans St. Pete Beach has been great. Slow trolling or flat lining live baits such as thredfin herring, spanish sardines, or blue runners for kingfish is producing many bites. Focus on areas holding schools of bait for the best results.
Capt. Ethan, Capt. Spencer, and Capt. Mike have been fishing inside Tampa Bay and the St. Pete Beach area. With spring in full effect white bait (scaled sardines) have been the preferred bait as the fish move out of their winter habits into this transition period. Good numbers of slot snook are being caught regularly near structure, whether man made or natural. Redfish numbers are improving from the last few weeks with several slot and overslot fish being brought to the boat. Trout fishing remains steady along the edges of flats, spoil islands, and pot holes. Fish moving water and target different areas of the flats depending on the stage of the tide. In general during periods of low water fish will be near the edges of flats or depressions where as during high water stages the fishing move up onto the flat and into the mangroves.
