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Mangrove Snapper Taken Over Pasco Reef

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BY NICK STUBBS

MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE

Published: December 2, 2008

Updated:

One Stop Bait and Tackle, 727-842-5610: Boats fishing at Pasco No. 1 reef have reported taking mangrove snapper to 16 inches. One fish of about 5 pounds was taken. Live shrimp and sardines have been top baits. Boats working crab buoys in 20 feet of water west of Anclote Key have been connecting with some triple tail. Fish 15 to 18 inches have been taken on live shrimp. The species relates to floating objects, such as buoys, and often can be spotted just under the surface near them. The canals of Gulf Harbors have been turning up sheepshead to 16 inches. Fiddler crabs and shrimp have been top baits when fished on the bottom. Some flounder to 2 pounds also have been taken from canals. Anglers fishing the pier at the Anclote Gulf Park, next to the Progress Energy power plant, have been taking some pompano to 3 pounds, along with some permit to 5 pounds. Both have been taking yellow Silly Willy Jigs tipped with shrimp. The outfall canal at the park has been a great spot for trout. The warm water flowing out of the plant has been attracting fish in large numbers. Most fish have been 18 to 20 inches, with a few to 24 or 25 inches. Live shrimp and chartreuse D.O.A. artificial shrimp have been good baits. Anglers fishing up at the barrel line inside the canal have reported slot reds, and some oversized fish taken on shrimp and Berkley Gulp Strips. Bluefish 3 to 5 pounds have been another frequent catch at the canal. Clark's silver spoons and shrimp have been working, as have cut pieces of fresh ladyfish.

Fisherman's World, 727-942-8944: Anglers have been trolling Rappala and Rattle Trap plugs in the Anclote River, from the mouth up to the bridge over Alt. 19, near the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, taking some snook to oversized. As water temperatures drop, snook migrate to the warmer waters of the river, pushing to well above even U.S. 19.

Clearwater Bait and Tackle, 727-669-5455: Anglers were picking up a few mackerel 12 to 14 inches long at Pier 60. The cooler weather and water temperatures seems to have run off the larger macks, but the smaller fish appear to be sticking it out, and are taking live shrimp under floats well.

Denny B's Bait and Tackle, 813-885-9811: The cooling water of Upper Tampa Bay means fish are starting to seek the warmer, protected water in creeks and bayous off the bay. Trout are out of season in the region, but fish 14 to 22 inches are being caught on live shrimp and released on the grass flats near the Courtney Campbell boat ramp. Snook to 30 inches have been on docks inside Double Branch Creek. A few fish as large as 40 inches have been reported. Live Shrimp and Berkley Gulp Strips in 3-inch size have been producing strikes.

Dunedin Bait and Tackle, 727-736-3474: A few reds to 23 inches were reported by anglers fishing around Pop Stansell Park, near Crystal Beach. Fish have been around mangroves and oyster bars at Seaside Point. Live shrimp has been tops, but Berkley Gulp Strips on jig heads are producing some fish. Anglers have been catching and releasing a lot of trout along the spoil islands north of the Dunedin Causeway. Fish have been running to 24 inches, taking live shrimp and jigs well.

Nick Stubbs is founder and webmaster of Bitetracker.com, a fishing Web site specializing in daily fishing reports displayed on animated fish tracking charts.

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