Tampa Bay Fishing, Mid December Fishing Report

Mid December Fishing Report

Our weather couldn’t be any nicer, with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70s by the afternoon. The fishing is really good. With October like conditions everything is biting. Last year, and the year before, we were out there freezing our butts off. Catching lots of Redfish but still it was cold, 50deg in the afternoon; we call that cold in these parts. Not this year though, you can even wear your shorts first thing in the morning.

Fishing has been equally as good. It’s just been very easy, is the best way to describe it. Redfish are everywhere, Snook are still biting well and we are killing the Trout inshore.

Most Redfish are in the 20 to 25 inch class with a few oversized fish in the 30 inch range. For the most part, 90 percent of the Reds have been keeper size. We are having no problem getting fish to eat.

The Snook have been good as well. I haven’t been catching quite as many as I was a month ago, but the ones we are catching are pretty nice. A lot of the Snook are ranging 25 to 30 inches. A good day is probably 15 or 20.

The Trout have been phenomenal. I haven’t been targeting them too much because they are out of season and the Redfish and Snook have been keeping my fisherman busy. I have spent a little time targeting them just to mix the day up and if the other fishing slows down for part of the day. All I can say is when January gets here get your fillet knives ready because we are going to be killing some Trout. They are in large numbers, they are biting and they are big. Some of our largest have been over 24 inches.

Flounder are also scattered all over the flats. I think my last charter caught 6 of them while fishing for Reds in one spot, some which were decent size and make for a nice bonus.

As for offshore, Gag Grouper are thick in close, a lot of nice fish in the 24 to 30 inch class are roaming the hard bottom in close. We have been picking them up while Mackerel fishing. The Gags are out of season but fun to catch. Farther out the offshore fishing is strong for a verity of fish. With the warmer water there is still some Kingfish and Cobia around. On the bottom all the Red Grouper and Snapper you want to catch. Farther offshore there are some large Amberjacks up to 60 pounds. So that pretty much sums it up.

I get the feeling it’s going to be a pretty warm winter this year. With the water temps still in the 70s on the flats, and Christmas right around the corner I’m just getting that feeling. You never know for sure though, but either way, mild or cold, I always like fishing in the winter around here. I hope you have enjoyed my report.

Capt. Matt
www.captainmatt.com
941-447-9888