CAPT. BILL MILLER
“OUTDOORS PROFESSIONAL”
Marketing/Sales Specialist • Grand Master Angler • TV Host/Writer

 

BILL’S FISHING REPORTS
Current Advice for Catching More Fish

Hit Bridges For Superb Night Fishing

By Bill Miller
Spanish mackerel continue to offer the hottest action for light tackle anglers. The Sunshine Skyway bridge, and the artificial reefs and range markers near the bridge, are the best bets for these toothy speedsters. Thirty-pound-test fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0 long-shank hook is the rig; white bait and greenbacks are the bait. Anchor near the structure and put over a frozen chum block. The mackerel should not be far behind. A good-running tide, in or out, is the key to a hot bite.

Captain Jim Lemke reports good tarpon action near the Bayside Bridge and the Courtney Campbell Parkway. DOA Baitbusters and MirrOlures are the best lures. There are so many catfish that live bait is not a good choice. Tarpon are easily spooked, so use trolling motors to approach the pods.

The early morning, when the water temperature is cooler, is the best time to fish the flats in the south part of Tampa Bay, according to captain Ray Markham. After the sun warms, the water moves to deeper troughs and drops-offs. A three-eights-ounce white or glow soft plastic is the choice to dredge the deeper grass and hard bottom areas.

St. Joseph Sound has been producing good action on snook, reds and trout for captain Craig Lahr. A topwater at daylight and soft plastics after about 8 a.m. have been the norm. Tarpon also are showing in the area. Live white bait under a cork is the proper setup.

Captain Bill Miller hosts “Hooked on Fishing” on Thursdays and Sundays from 7-8 p.m., and Fridays and Mondays from 11 am-noon on Bright House Networks Catch 47.

 

Reports Archive
3/2/06
3/9/06
6/29/06
7/05/06
7/13/06