Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

    Hi- how's the fishing been?? that's if you can get out in these freezing temperatures. If your from up north you probably been too busy shoveling your driveway, or just plain trying to stay warm from those cold north winds. Well believe it or not we're still fishing down here in the sunshine state even though it has been a bit cold down here recently. My report is much like the last because winter fishing continues to be in full swing.

Trout, sheepshead, redfish, and lots of giant ladyfish made up the bulk of our catch this week. We also managed to boat a few pompano and snook as well. We are catching boat loads of trout right now, although we are having to work for our keepers. As for the sheepshead, I cannot complain, they have been averaging 2 to5 lbs and taking shrimp quit readily. Sheepshead may not be the number one sport fish but they are great to eat and good fighters too. As for redfish there are some tailers out there right now but they are quit finicky. I have been doing much better on the schools stacked up in the deeper boat canals.

Fly fisherman you might have to slow down your retrieve but that doesn't mean you can't have a good day on the water. The big ladyfish and pompano have been our best action the past couple of weeks. The pompano are averaging 1 to 4 lbs and are close cousins to the permit, they can really get down and pull. Lady fishing has provided us with our best action and the the average fish are 24 inches. If your not familiar with them they are the closest cousin to the tarpon, they're not near the size but they put up a gallant battle. If you are more interested in sight fishing for redfish, there are some tailing schools out there. The water is very skinny and clear, it takes an expert caster with a light presentation if you plan to doing battle with redfish.

Well, if your interested in going fishing give me a call, it may or may not be a little cool out there but I'll do my best to put you on fish.

Hope you have enjoyed my report and we'll see you on the water!

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