NEW REDFISH and SPOTTED SEA TROUT regulations GO INTO EFFECT TOMORROW

Starting 1 February NEW Regulations for RED DRUM (REDFISH) and Spotted Sea Trout go into effect for Florida. In the Northern Regions People can KEEP 2 REDFISH per day in the Southern Regions we are still limited to 1 per day.  Spotted Sea Trout will no longer have a closed season. Starting 1 February Sea Trout will be open year round. The map shows which counties are in the north and south. And for more detailed Information make sure you go directly to the Florida Wildlife Commission Web Site.  To see specific information on these changes go to the Saltwater Fishing Regulations Handbook. To find out all of Florida Fishing's Regulations visit the myfwc.org website and get the real information.

Costa Rica Sail fishing

A friend of mine recently returned from a Costa Rica Sail Fishing Trip and sent me this picture. He has some great pictures including some of the ones here.

Fishing in Florida - What do I need - PART 1

Well here is the straight info on what you need to fish while your vacationing in Florida. A great source of information and the basis for my recommendations and information on the "legal" aspects of fishing in Florida can be found here. With the need for licenses here is a general guide. BUT please refer to the website to ensure things are up to date. As of January 2012.

1. If your fishing from a pier or a boat you will need a Saltwater License. If your fishing from the SHORELINE/BEACH you do not need a license as long as your a resident. IF you are vacationing a license is required and the beaches are patrolled. BUT the good news a three day license is only $17 and can be purchased at most bait shops and in just about every Walmart.

2. If you go out with a Charter or Guide they typically provide everything you need, they are knowledgeable about what is legal or not and can out you on the fish without you needing to know anything but where to show up.

3. If your fishing Freshwater you need a license no matter what. If you fishing an Inlet that goes from Freshwater to Saltwater. be careful you may think you don't need a license since it is saltwater BUT if your fishing for freshwater fish you may need a license. (This can be a judgement call by the FWC officer so be careful when your in this gray area of the law) OR just call and ask an FWC officer.

In the next post. Fishing in Florida - What Gear do I need - PART 2 I will discuss what you need if your planning on fishing from the beach or another area on your own without a guide and your wanting to bring your own rod, reel and bait. OR buy it when you get here.

Anonymoous Reports added to web site.

I received this Fishing Report from the website.

Boat basin South side of Gandy directly west of s. westshore blvd. Tampa
"Allot of small Pampano and trout. I fished with a #1 hook but the fish are all to small for it in this boat basin. With in seconds of my bait being in the water I had hits 95% of the time."

Fishing Report from Web Site

I received this Fishing Report from the website and it has both Fresh water and Saltwater Report.
"Lake Tarpon Pinellas County Florida


Fresh Water Report:

Speckled Perch (Crappie) have really started to show up in numbers. Roadrunner style jigs in Yellow and Green are top producers for good size specs. Live minnows have also been a great bait. I prefer to use a slip bobber with Live minnow or grass shrimp so you can adjust your baits from 1ft to 15ft., also straight line down with Cane sticks is another productive way of using the spider technique. Trolling (slow) through deeper water will result in some nice fish. Mark each fish on your GPS or with a float buoy and work that area well.

Salt Water:

Snook, Redfish, and Big Trout are the hot topic in tampabay right now. Live Shrimp, Tiger Chubs, and Greenbacks are the top choice, but DOA Cal Jigs, Zara Spook, and Jerk Baits are productive as well if your a Lure fisherman. Look to Ft. Desoto, Wheedon Island, Coquina Key,and 4th Street Area for some great action.

Tight Lines and Screaming reels

JSnooker"

SALTWATER ADDICTION CHARTERS (New Charter Captain in Local Resources)

I wanted to invite everyone to see the new local charter captain on my Local Resources Page. Captain Craig Weaver is a full-time Tampa fishing charter guide and veteran angler bringing over 20-years experience. He has fished as an commercial and professional but the charter end of this business is by far his true passion. From seasoned anglers to the individuals who are new, but interested in learning the sport. He treats every fishing charter the same, giving his clients the experience needed to make their Tampa fishing charter one heart pounding fishing adventure to remember with some of the best inshore fishing in the State of Florida. All it takes is one Tampa Bay fishing charter and you will quickly see that Tampa Bay and our beautiful Gulf Coast has some of the best inshore and offshore fishing available.
Here are a few of the species that can get you hooked on Tampa fishing charters:

• Tarpon (silver king)
• Snook
• Redfish
• Trout
• Cobia
• Shark
• Pompano
• Mackerel
• Scalloping

Captain Craig Weaver
Saltwater Addiction Charters
13707 LAGOON DR HUDSON FL 34667 US
http://saltwateraddictioncharters.com/
Phone:info@saltwateraddictioncharters.com
(813) 610-1672Email:
info@saltwateraddictioncharters.com

Anonymous Fishing Report Submitted

Thanks for submitting this next report. It was submitted through my website and it had no name attached. I truly appreciate and value ALL fishing reports. Many of us fish, and letting each other know where and what is biting is what this Web Site is about. thanks again for the submission.
SUBMITTED 1/8/2012, "Sunday was a great day for fishing. We started out at the power plant, in the warm water flats, while everyone else was fishing the deep water warm outflow catching a few small fish. It was low tide and the depth was about 2 feet with the water being flat as glass. I was able to see dozens of Bonnet Head sharks, so we started casting out to them. Within minutes we were both hooked up at the same time. Within about an hour we had each pulled in 6 sharks a piece. All were about 3 feet. They fight great for their size and fool you with their bursts of energy. We moved from their and went over to the west side of one of the spoil islands. There we landed dozens of slot size trout. All in all it was a fun productive day. We used live shrimp all day. With the sharks we let the bait sit on the bottom and for the trout we free lined them through the grass flats. "

thanks again, tight lines. http://www.tampabayfish.com/


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Fishing report Submitted by Captain Randy Schoneman Barefoot Bandit Charters

Submitted by Capt. Randy Schoneman, 1/7/2012, "Went out today with my father for some reds as we usually do not keep any and he keeps hearing from his friends that he is telling stories. We did not have to go far as we went to a couple areas close to the house that I have not hit since getting my new boat. We landed six reds from 17" to 24" and kept our two for his friends dinner. They were in with mullet in 1.5' of water and hit on grannies,pin shrimp and a gold spoon. We had 4-5 get off with short bites where they only had half the bait. Great day with my father that will last a lifetime. Tight lines till next report "
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Captain Randy Schoneman
Barefoot Bandit Charters

13707 LAGOON DR HUDSON FL 34667 US
http://www.pasco-gulf-fishing.com/default.html
Phone:
(727)514-4642
(727)863-6718
Email:
CaptainRandy@pasco-gulf-fishing.com

Fishing For Redfish Catching Snook

Well we hit the water at about 7:30 we thought it would be good since the cold front moved through a little over three days ago so the fish should be acclimatized to the temperature change and should be hungry. We started out and it was foggy and cloudy but the weather seemed to be holding. After a few casts I realized it was not typical fish weren't moving and hitting like the previous weekend. Then my buddy hooked into a nice fish. Check out the video here. BUT when we got it to the boat it was a SNOOK. SO after 3 more SNOOK we realized the Redfish had moved out and the SNOOK had moved in. We were only out for a little while but a few lady fish and 3 nice SNOOK (released of course) made for a good day of fishing.

Charter Fishing Captain Paul Hajash - FlyFishingFlorida.com

Capt. Paul Hajash of FlyFishingFlorida.com offers Fly, Artificial and LIVE BAIT Fishing the waters of TAMPA BAY, CLEARWATER, CLEARWATER BEACH and ST. PETERSBURG FL.Redfish, Snook and Spotted Sea Trout are the most common catches in the waters from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs. During your trip you will see a variety of wildlife such as Porpoise, Manatees, Sharks, Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbills, Blue Heron, Ibis and Ospreys. Clearwater is the home of Winter the Dolphin and Dolphin are seen on almost every trip.
Everything is included. From the beginner to the most experienced fishing instructions are included. All types of fishing are available from live bait, artificial jigs and flyfishing. He can fillet and bag your catch back at the dock or practice catch and release.

Click on Paul's link to contact him. or use the below information.
Fly Fishing Florida - Tampa Bay area/Clearwater/St. Pete
Capt.Paul@flyfishingflorida.com
Capt. Paul
(727) 251-2623

Fishing Report submitted by Capt Rick Reddick

January 6, 2012 - Tampa Fishing Charters

You’ve got to love Florida winter fishing. I was fortunate enough to get a call from Phil about fishing in the Bradenton area. I live in Clearwater, but I have been fishing all over the bay area my whole life. So when Phil said he wanted to fish up the Manatee River I was very excited.

The plan was to pick up at Fort Hammer and fish with live shrimp. The morning was very cold so we had to make sure that Phil’s eight year old son, Thomas, was kept warm. We started working through different spots and eventually landed this slot red:

14” red fish came to the boat all day long and so did the pesky lady fish. We also caught small snook, keeper trout and undersized trout, and three nice sized sheephead. We had steady action all day and Thomas said it was his best fishing day ever.

As much as I enjoyed the day, I was little saddened that we did not get any large snook bites. I sure look forward to the day when they have recovered from the freeze of 2010. The water temperature was around 58 and all fish were taken on live shrimp. I can’t wait to get out there again.

Captain Rick Reddick
Tampa Fishing Charters |Tampa Fishing Guides
http://www.captainrickreddick.com/
info@captainrickreddick.com
813-787-0249
Tampa Fishing Charters | Tampa Fishing Guides

Fishing report Submitted by Captain Randy Schoneman Barefoot Bandit Charters

Submitted by Capt. Randy Schoneman 1/6/2012 , "Went out today with a couple of great people Kevin and his daughter Lindsey. We started out a little off shore looking for some trout waiting for the tide to allow us to get in the backwaters. We were not fortunate to get any thing to take our shrimp, gulps,mirror-lure or pinfish which had me starting to think it was going to be a tough day. We made our way in to my area with muddy bottom, oyster bars,and mangroves. As soon as we got to one of my favorite spots I saw wakes and a lot of activity so I'm excited and think BRING IT ON only to watch the reds swim around and no bites. One did come after Kevin's catch 2000 but turned without hitting. Long story short we saw our targets but was only able to boat a 19" sheepshead. Beautiful day on the water but only turned into a frustrating day. On way back in found the white bait that I could not get in the am so loaded up for next trip. Thanks again to Kevin and Lindsey for a good time even tho we did not terrorize the fish."
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Captain Randy Schoneman
Barefoot Bandit Charters
13707 LAGOON DR HUDSON FL 34667 US
http://www.pasco-gulf-fishing.com/default.html
Phone:
(727)514-4642
(727)863-6718
Email:
CaptainRandy@pasco-gulf-fishing.com

BAREFOOT BANDIT CHARTERS, Inc. (New Charter Captain in Local Resources)

I wanted to let everyone know about a new Charter Captain listed on my Local Resources Page. Captain Randy Schoneman of BAREFOOT BANDIT CHARTERS has been fishing the waters along Pasco for the past 14 years. His new 2010 custom built hybrid tower boat, powered by a 225 Yamaha four stroke engine.
With a 9'4" beam, offers a safe, & spacious platform to relax and fight your catch.
With its shallow draft, & high free board it allows the best of both inshore/near shore fishing opportunities.He offers Fishing Charters, Scalloping trips, Island Adventures and Dolphin sight seeing trips. He wants you to experience why he loves our "backyard" and welcomes special requests for your personal experience. He looks forward to hearing from you and allowing him the opportunity to provide to you, your "SPECIAL DAY". Thanks Capt. Randy.

Captain Randy Schoneman
Barefoot Bandit Charters
13707 LAGOON DR HUDSON FL 34667 US
http://www.pasco-gulf-fishing.com/default.html
Phone:
(727)514-4642
(727)863-6718
Email:
CaptainRandy@pasco-gulf-fishing.com
Facebook:
FACEBOOK GROUP

Early New Years Eve Eve Redfishing

We got out on the water about 0815 it was calm and we immediately started catching fish. Tim landed a nice Slot Red, then we stayed in the same area and really slayed them.

We kept two nice ones and threw about 10 back. Trout were biting hard too but we were really looking for Redfish and most of the trout were undersized. Here is a Video of one of the Redfish.

you couldn't have asked for a nicer morning and day on the water, I think the pictures sum it up. Tampa Redfish, are one of the most fun fish to catch.

Hot Fishing in the upper bay, Creek Channels and warmer water areas

It seems the fish are cold too...many of the places that are holding the best fish seem to be areas that have water temperatures warmer than the surrounding areas. some of these would be the upper bay areas that are shallower than normal allowing the water temperature to absorb the sun throughout the say. Many of the upper bay creeks are teaming with bait and fish. An unusually warm fall and beginning of winter has extended a very hot TROUT bite throughout the flats. I'm no weather expert BUT just seeing what is happening on the water makes me believe the Fish want to be warm too. SO if you can get out this weekend....New Years and ALL or if your on vacation from work this week. FISHING might not be a bad stress reliever and a treat for you and any of your out of town guests. If I had to choose some best bets I would say the upper Tampa bay park, Channel A, Double Branch Creek and the flats over on the Dunedin side to be some of your more productive areas. HOWEVER south near the Ft. Desoto Flats and Treasure Island area should be doing just as well.

Fishing in these FALL months

The fishing has actually been excellent. The trout seem to be everywhere and the bigger Redfish have moved into their winter hideouts like salt water lakes off Anclote River, and the Creek mouths in upper Tampa Bay. Top water and shrimp under a Popping cork have worked excellent. We went out about a week ago off Anclote Key near the lighthouse. Anchored in about 7ft of water and caught Trout all day long and we even hooked a few Spanish mackerel and Some 18-20inch blue fish. Fishing this time of year can be great a lot of fishermen slow down in the winter, myself included, and you can have the water to yourself. Good luck and Tight lines.

Fishing Report from Capt. Rick Reddick

September 28, 2011 - Tampa Fishing Charters



Snook...wow what an excellent opportunity to prove your fish catching skills. These fish make even the most accomplished angler frustrated. In the Tampa, area we have numerous places to catch snook.

But, most local anglers are painfully aware of the devastating freeze of 2009. This is not the first time such a thing has happened. In the 1980s the Tampa Bay area experienced a similar freeze, and yet, the fish recovered in just a few years. The good news is that our fishery is recovering. Snook are still being caught by those who know how to catch them.



The snook in this picture was caught during the middle of the summer in the back country. We caught numerous snook this summer in places I did not expect to see them. When I told Bill Miller of the Hooked On Fishing T.V. what was happening, we decided to do a show and document the health of our up and coming snook fishery.

But that was the summer. It is now fall and the days of catching smaller snook in the back country is coming to an end. The bigger snook are moving into the rivers and canals to prepare for their winter survival. The white bait is every where and easy to catch. This time of year is why fisherman live in FL. If you can not tell by now, I am passionate about catching fish, especially snook. The challenge and reward for mastering these line-siders is not easily matched. I guess the only thing left to do is get out there and catch some.


http://www.captainrickreddick.com | Tampa Fishing Charters | Tampa Fishing Guides
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New Charter Captain in Local Resources: Capt. Rick Reddick

I wanted to let everyone know about a new Charter Captain listed on my Local Resources Page. Captain Rick Reddick of Tampa fishing charters has phenomenal inshore fishing for tarpon, snook, red fish, trout, king fish, Spanish mackerel, flounder, sharks, black drum, sheepshead and many other species depending on the time of year. He is a local Guide with an excellent history of fishing the Tampa Bay Area, He also says to bring along the kids for an extremely memorable fishing experience. Thanks Capt. Rick.

Captain Rick Reddick
Tampa Fishing Charters |Tampa Fishing Guides
http://www.captainrickreddick.com
info@captainrickreddick.com
813-787-0249

New Charter Captain in Local Resources: Capt. Kevin Walton

I wanted to let everyone know that I have another Charter Captain that is listed in the LOCAL RESOURCES section of my site. Capt. Kevin Walton of nonstopfishingcharters.com Serving the Tampa Bay Area, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach And More. Contact him at


727-638-0975

Or at

captkevin@nonstopfishingcharters.com

Offshore Fishing with Capt. Bill

We decided to head out with a friend of a friend and find some snapper and whatever else might be biting offshore. We headed out at around 5pm on Friday evening going to hit a few spots for some Snapper overnight. We started out at a few spots around the pipeline, found some structure and started fishing we ended up immediately catching 3 Mangrove Snappers then we started catching a few small vermillion Snapper. Then the really good bite started with Lane Snapper. Many of them were around 13 inches but we had 4-5 over 14 inches and one at 16 and 1/2 inches. 

Then we decided to move to the Mexican Pride and see what might bite during the night. The snapper were biting and we caught one or two smaller Lanes BUT the big catches were all Red Snapper of keepable size HOWEVER since they are closed we let em all go Except the Half Fish that we pulled up after the Sharks got to them.

We did catch a 60lb AmberJack but it seemed he was the only one there. After fishing for a while we realized that we were catching mostly sharks and after about 25 or more of them we decided that it was time to move spots. We moved around to a few other spots and found a few more snapper and some small Red Grouper but nothing keepable.

We decided it was time to head back after an all night trip we had a little drive to get home get some pictures and some Sleep. This won't be our last trip out with Capt. Bill and Hopefully we make it out soon. Thanks Bill and Frankie.