Fly Fishing Report for Tampa Bay

February Starts with a Mixed Bag

Over the last week the fishing around the bay has been picking up nicely. I have really moved my charter locations around recently and have found action in most areas.

The forecast looks like continued warm sunny weather with daytime highs in the upper 70's to low 80's. This forecast is sure to keep the water temperatures on the rise.

The constant bite continues to be with Speckled Trout. There are good numbers of Trout on the edges of the flats all around the bay. The fish are not everywhere but if you move around a bit you will find them. The morning bite has been in the grassy areas that have 5' to 8' of water above them. Late day the fish have been moving a bit more shallow but not much. Over the last few days my guests have taken a good amount of Trout that have been in the upper slot and a few just over. These are real nice fish on #5 and #6 fly rods and UL spin tackle.

Some of the areas I have been targeting for trout have also been thick with ladyfish at times. Most every day we have been spending some time with these acrobatic fish with 5 weight fly rods.

Redfish are becoming more frequent. We have had some recent shots on the flats but the best action with the fly has still been fishing deep in the cuts.

The best bite has been on the incoming tide. Every recent trip has yielded results with small shrimp patterns fished very slowly near the bottom.

I have also been running up to the power plant on my 6 hour and full day trips.

I usually try to target this area early or late day when boat traffic is not at peak. I will normally pole the edge of the flats and blind fish larger bait fish imitations on a sink tip for a pass or two. I also will switch up to a float line with a more buoyant fly for a few passes. The combination of the two tactics usually results in a few takes.