Fall is here and we are getting into the transitional time between the hot summer days and starting to see some cooling down at night. Calm winds and overcast skys has made sight fishing great for tailing Redfish. Lots of fish are ganging up on the flats and when the conditions and tide are right we've been getting shots at hungry tailing fish. Topwater is a great way to fish these guys as they are rooting around in some pretty thick algae and grass where most flies would just get lost or hung up. Gurglers will get their attention with a quickness, just drop the fly anywhere near the group of fish and slide it or pop it along lightly and wait for the explosion to follow. With mouths designed more for bottom feeding its fun to watch these fish as their heads break the surface and annihilate the fly. Not every eat is a hook up but with the right ammo and some patients it will pay off. There are also snook hanging around the flats as well and gorging themselves before the winter ahead. False albacore and mackerel are around the area as well and always fun to get on fly. Fishing the graveyard shift after sundown is always a great option this time of year as well, with Snook, Reds and Tarpon all available and hungry! 

Gimme a shout if you want to get out.

Capt Brian

727-631-5578

Night fishing should start to improve in July/Aug with more Snook showing up on the lights after they move out of the passes. At the moment there are good number of Snook along the beaches and passes as June/Aug is their peak spawning season. We haven't been targeting them as Tarpon has been top priority lately. If you need your next Tarpon on the fly fix or you just wanting to see what it's all about give me a call and I'll get you on some fish.

Capt Brian Jill

The time has come yet again, when the great schools of migratory Tarpon arrive to our beaches and offer us a chance to hook into one of the mightiest saltwater fish of all, the Silver King. I've been finding fish with relative consistency along the beaches lately. Most of the fish are too preoccupied with spawning and barely even glance at my offerings however there is always those random suicide fish that are looking for an easy offering. These are the fish that don't think twice about eating your fly, they usually make for some incredible in your face eats and instantly jump to the sky. Flies that have been working well for me are the typical toad patterns and EP style flies. Dark colors have been working early dawn while the lighter shades are the ticket when the sun gets up a little in the sky. Weekdays are always the best time to get out but despite the crowds on the weekends we still have managed to get some fish. Give me a call if you want your shot at the Silver King on Fly.

It's feeling more and more like summer everyday in the Tampa Bay area. With water temps in the mid to upper 70's in Tampa Bay the Fly Fishing has been fantastic. Snook are beginning to make their appearance and are hungry! Night time dock light fly fishing has been a sure way to catch a few line siders, while searching the clear water flats near structure, holes, and drop offs is another great way to locate them during the day. Flies that work well during the day are olive/white, chartreuse/white, yellow/white baitfish patterns and clousers for deeper water. Under the lights any small white, flashy fly should get the job done. Reds are spread out on the flat this time of the year and can also be found around lighted docks at night. They will eat a size 4-6, dark brown/black toad style crab, bendback, or a clouser on the flats. The Tarpon are beginning to show at some select locations. These are all resident fish that are just becoming active and feeding. The big schools of migratory fish will begin to show in our waters this May through the summer. I have all the necessary Tarpon equipment needed for fly fishing as well as all the best flies. I specialize in shallow water sight fishing with the fly rod but will take out light tackle artificial charters as well.

Book your next fly fishing adventure with Capt Brian Jill and the Lost Coast Anglers and fly fish in the shallow waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico for Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, and more!!!

Capt Brian Jill
www.lostcoastanglers.com

With water temps in Tampa Bay hovering in the upper 60s to low 70s the fish are finally starting to thaw out and the fly fishing is improving. The weather is beginning to look more like spring each day with the wind and water settling down. Big black Drum are back and invading Tampa Bay, getting them on the fly is a blast! Bright color crab patterns have been the ticket for these beasts. These fish average 40-50 lbs and will easily give a 20 minute fight. The trout bite is improving over grass flats and some larger fish have been spotted around spoil islands and around sandy pot holes. Reds are still around and can be found in groups patrolling the shorelines and oyster bars. An accurately places fly will usually get their attention. Small baitfish flies and dark crab patterns have been working well. Mackerel are being caught on fly as well and this should pick up as the water gets a bit warmer. The Snook should start to show soon around grass flats adjacent to creek mouths, along shorelines, and at night around docks looking for a bite.


Tampa Bay Tarpon season is right around the corner. Reserve your trip now with Capt. Brian for May-August for some prime time Tarpon action on the fly!!!

Capt. Brian Jill