Fishing Report and forecast for the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg Area
2-2-09

Well, looks like more cold weather is on its way and I have to believe that the inshore fishing will continue to be slow.

The shook bite is and has been slow for the last two weeks. With the water temperature at 59 degrees today and dropping the bite is just not going to happen. Once the water tempter rises a bit and stabilizes I think the Snook will become more active in the rivers and creeks. Trout should bite late in the week and weekend if another cold front doesn’t come through. Look for the trout in deeper water on the edge of grassy areas. I would also expect to see some trout in the deeper parts of the rivers and creeks that dump into Tampa Bay. I would also look for trout in and around the St. Pete areas near the Fort Desoto Park. Silver trout should be active in real deep waters say 9 to 40 feet. I find them at times near the Port Manatee Channel as well as some deeper areas off Cockroach Bay. Look for Redfish near or under docks as well as around oyster bars.

Sheepshead is your best choice this week. Look in the deeper areas that have some structure. I would look at all the artificial reefs throughout Tampa Bay as well as bridges, pilings and some of the old wrecks throughout the Tampa Bay area.

We ran a 3 boat charter this past Saturday. Each boat caught Sheephead up to 6 pounds fishing deep structure near the main ship channel in Tampa Bay.

The Grouper bite in Tampa Bay and offshore Saint Petersburg is good. Please remember that some Grouper are now out of season (please check the regulations).

Most people I know stayed home this week due to the weather and Super Bowl activities. I would expect to see more boat activity as the weather starts to warm into February. I’m looking for those 80 degree days.

There is no white bait on the flats of Tampa Bay at this time. Water tempters will have to rise quite a bit. Bait will show up in a few months on the flats. Right now you will have to look deep for the white bait. Shrimp is an excellent choice this time of year.

I hope to be out more next week at least I have trips on Wednesday and Saturday weather permitting. I will let you know what I find.

Be safe out there.

Capt. Danny R. Guarino
825 Bayview Dr.
Ruskin Fl, 33570
813-956-2010 Cell
www.fishingguidetampabay.com


Host: Outdoor Fishing Adventures
ESPN 1040 AM Radio Saturday mornings at 8 to 10 a.m.