May 2009 Fishing forecast for Tampa Bays SouthShore area.
May is upon us, which means temperatures as well as fishing on the SouthShore of Tampa Bay will continue to heat up. The weather in early May typically starts off a bit cool in the morning and warm to hot in the afternoons and as May progress the morning temperatures and humility’s will rise. In early May our afternoon Thunder storms have not yet started but by months end I would expect to see those towering cumulus clouds start to boil to our east. Pay close attention to these storm’s, especially if you are on or near the water.
By late April the schools of Tarpon have started their annual migration to the north. With some already arriving I would expect by early May the tarpon season to be in full swing In early May look for the tarpon at or near the Skyway Bridge and as we get further into May these tarpon will migrate up and into Tampa Bay. On the South Sore you can expect to find Tarpon along and outside of the long sand bar that parallels the shore line from Port Manatee to Apollo Beach. The water will be clear and the Tarpon will be a little spooky. Early morning and late afternoon will be some of the best times to fish so long as the tide has a decent movement.
Snook will continue to bite but the season will be closed. You will find catch and release snook in most of the passes and along the grass flats from the month of the Little Manatee River south to the Skyway. Please remember that the snook are entering there Spawning season. The bigger snook are typically the females and they will be full of row as the summer progress. Please be gentle in your handleing of these fish so that we can insure a healthy snook population for years to come.
The bite for Trout and Redfish will continue to be strong with the trout moving into deeper grass flats as the water temperature climbs. Redfish will be near the many oyster bars that are found near the SouthShore area. You can also find Redfish under mangrove root system so long as there is deep enough water to hold fish this will last through out Spring and summer.
The Spanish mackerel bite will be off the wall in May. These fish will mill around Tampa Bay crashing the many schools of bait that dimple up along the outer sandbar of the Southshore area. You will also find mackerel crashing bait near the many range towers that dot the Bay. All you have to do is set up up tide of these markers, put a bag of chum down and cast into your chum line. I use a medium pole with 10 lb test with 40 lb leader and a #1 xxx long shank hook. If you plan on having Mackerel for dinner Remember to put them on ice just as soon as you catch them. Mackerel do not freeze well so only take what you can eat in a day or two.
Capt. Danny Guarino
D. R. Guarino Charters
813-956-2010
www.Fishingguidetampabay.com
