12-22-2002, 09:26 PM
Tampa Bay Area
Fishing Report Captain Charles Walker
12/22/02
Happy Holidays! We’ve actually had a couple of days between wind and rain this week, but of course another front or two is due by Christmas Eve and possibly again on Friday (who knows?).
On to the bait house reports:
Ruskin Bait and Tackle - 813-641-2325 – Since trout are closed, they are biting like crazy. Reds and sheepshead are thick in the river right now. Blacktip sharks and cobia are around the power plant warm water. Of course everybody fishes there now so there’s seldom any room for another fisherman.
Trappman’s Bait and Tackle on Gandy Blvd in St. Petersburg - 727-579-1414- Reds are biting well around Weedon Island this week on select jumbo shrimp. Lots of trout and snook of course with the season closed. Reds are also biting well at the end of the bridge. Of course the sheepshead fishing is really picking up now that the water has cooled down so much. Just find a rock or piling, chum a bit and start fishing.
Don’s Dock on Madeira Beach - 727-391-3223- Some grouper have been brought in from 35 to 45 feet of water for anglers that have been able to find clean water. South of the ship’s channel seems to be the area to fish in right now. Silver trout are biting well right now and plenty of sheepshead are being caught around the rock piles. Some pompano have been found around Blind Pass. Madeira Beach reef had a few mackerel show up this week.
Pass-a-Grille Bait and Tackle on St. Pete Beach - 727-360-6606- Our offshore boats have done very well this week on the few days they could get out. Grouper, flounder, mangrove snapper and of course grunts have all been put on the dock this week.
The Skyway Fishing Pier - 727-865-0668 and the south Skyway - 941-729-0117- Lots of silver trout have been coming over the rails this week. Sea bass, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, sheepshead, and plenty of keeper grouper have also been caught from the north and south piers.
Folks, feel free to call any of the places in my report for more information, and be sure to tell them that you read about the fishing in their area in Capt. Charlie’s fishing report on the Internet.
If you want more information about fishing in the Tampa Bay area or wish to book a charter, simply e-mail me at captchas@flfish.com or if you wish to arrange a charter faster, call me at 727-546-7257. Be sure and visit my web site for lots more Tampa Bay Area fishing info at: [url "http://www.floridasaltwater.com/"][#0000ff]http://www.floridasaltwater.com[/#0000ff][/url] .
Good fishing and tight lines,
Capt. Charlie
http://www.flfish.com
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