Catching Tampa Bay Reds
October is a great month for catching large redfish in Tampa Bay. Although redfish are year-long residents of the Bay, the large breeders prefer the mangrove shoreline. October water temperatures are a welcome relief after the long sizzling summer months and a turn on for the big bruisers.
A short trip to catch bait at my secret spot and from there it was off to Weedon Island, one of my favorite spots for large redfish this time of year. Once we reached the no motor zone, I lowered the trolling motor and, with the push of a button, 112 pounds of thrust from my JL Marine Power Move came to life propelling my 25-foot West End Bay boat in the direction of Weedon Island. In Tampa Bay’s protected areas, use a trolling motor or push pole and follow FWC regulations.
We slowly worked our way to the southeast point of the key and, here, we anchored and waited for the school to appear. Patience is important, since a school can appear in a moment’s notice.
We were prepared for action; one rod with live pinfish suspended just below the surface of the water using float, the other one with greenbacks free lined just beyond our float and one with cut pinfish using a small split shot to keep the cut bait on the bottom.
The sun’s rays were slowly breaking into the clear water, and you could see movements of small pinfish darting in and out of the grass and mullet starting to jump. I could tell by my clients look that they were ready for action, and so was I. Just beyond our reach, we could see a small wake as if a small boat had buzzed by. We looked at each other and without a word prepared for an attack. The reds were coming; Alice drew first blood and, within a split second, mine was next. Three hook ups and no one around to see it. We had them all to ourselves for over two hours. We engaged in combat with the reds, achieving victories in some encounters, while facing defeats in others.
Large schools of redfish gather around mangrove islands; some schools are so large they create a visible wave as they move through the shallow waters of the flats. My favorite baits for these large bruisers are 3 to 5-inch pinfish, cut fresh dead pinfish and dollar size pass crabs. Casting distance is necessary and medium tackle works best. I prefer to use a 15- pound test FINS braided line, 7.6 medium fast taper rod and 3000 to 3500 reels for best casting distance.
Reds in shallow water will spook easily, and the stealthy system works best; this means keeping a safe distance from the school and being quiet. Remember, sound travels seven times faster through water, and the slightest noise can break up schooling fish.
I like to fish for reds at the beginning of an outgoing tide, since they get concentrated in cuts and potholes around the mangrove island, creating a prime casting spot for my clients. First, get there early ahead of the tide change. I sat and waited for an hour for the fish to move in, and it was well worth it. While other boats are trying to follow the fish, let the fish come to you. Never cast into a school of fish. Always cast ahead of them and let them come toward your bait. On days with strong currents, I will use a float and let the current drift my bait towards the fish. My clients had a wonderful day and one they will never forget.