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Kingfish
Posts: 1201
 
Location: Tampa Bay | Warmer Weather Invites Macks Back
By MEL BERMAN
Posted December 18, 2008 by The Tampa Tribune
By any measure, this spell of unseasonably mild weather has changed the dynamics of Bay area fishing. The once-increasing sheepshead and other cold-weather species activity has slowed to a crawl. On the other hand, gamefish that were assumed to have left our waters, most notably Spanish mackerel, are back in good numbers.
The swift pelagics have returned in huge schools and can be found cruising most of our coastal waters, as well as many inside flats.
At the Sunshine Skyway, the Spanish had all but disappeared, but many can be seen foraging on great pods of baitfish all along that intricate structure. Skyway piers management said the south pier holds the greatest number of macks right now. However, with the continuing warm spell, they should be moving farther north and up into Tampa Bay.
This week of calm and warm conditions, not to mention more affordable fuel, has spurred many to venture out into the Gulf, where they have been reeling up some impressive grouper. Water temperatures of 70 degrees have kept the gags feeding heavily on the rocky bottoms a short distance from shore.
There are also many grouper being caught in the bay, along the shipping channel edges, as well as around the area either side of the Skyway.
Redfish, which were almost dormant a week ago, are active again, and snook have been invited out of creeks and canals by these warmer conditions as well.
The larger “gator” trout, though cold-weather visitors, are still biting well. Just set up your trip so you arrive on a moving tide and work your jigs, spoons or plugs slowly for best results.
Hear “The Captain Mel Show” Saturdays from 6-9 a.m. on 970 AM. Also, visit “Fishing Florida OnLine Magazine” at capmel.com.
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Macks Back - Mel Berman | TBO
