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Tampa Bay Jan 21 Fishing Report

Well we finally got into our winter fishing patterns.  I say finally because it can be really tough fishing when the fish get stuck in that limbo stage somewhere between their winter patterns and somewhere between the springs patterns.  The biggest problem is when the water temp lingers in the mid 60s; it just scatters the fish because they’re not sure where they want to be from day to day.  This problem is also compounded by the fact that the fish are not sure if they want to expend the energy to chase down a live Green Back or would rather have the slow moving shrimp.    It’s during this limbo phase that a charter captain really has to stay on his toes.  Bait wise we have to be prepared for everything.   Tactically you have to be ready to change quickly and adapt to the proper presentation that the fish want.  I don’t mind when the fishing is like this because it is more interesting when I am challenged, but after a month of it I am ready for things to settle into a steady pattern. That’s what we have going on right now.  With the water cooling considerably the fish have now settled into their winter pattern and are much easier to predict what they will feed on.

The Red fishing has picked up.  There are plenty around deeper structure adjacent to the flats.  Most of the fish are 17 to 23 inches but we have had a few around 30 and a little larger.  There is also some nice eating size Black Drum mixed in with the Reds up to about 25 inches.  Sheepshead are really picking up with the cool water and are now starting to spawn, they will pick up a lot from here on out over the next month and a half.  Trout are everywhere and we have been catching plenty in the 16 to 21 inch class for the cooler.  Founder and Pompano have also been mixed here and there on the flats for a nice added bonus.

Tampa Bay fishing charter reports at www.captainmatt.com

Offshore it’s primarily going to be Grouper, Snapper and Flounder as the primary targets.  Although the variety is not as large, Grouper and Flounder fishing is really good and the action is really fast and really makes for a good time.  Not to mention Flounder is one of the very best eating fish there is and catching a limit has been pretty easy.

Well I hope you have enjoyed my report.  If you would like to get out there and enjoy a nice refreshing cool Florida winter day let me know.  Also if you are planning spring and Tarpon trips, now is the time to start finalizing it.  February and March is our very best Snook months with plenty of Reds mixed in?  April is great for everything offshore and of course May thru July is nothing but Tarpon for me.

Capt. Matt Ercoli

941-447-9888

www.CaptainMatt.com