tampa/st. pete wading

[sammy]

I am going to be in Tampa/St. Pete in the middle of May, and would like to do a little wading on a couple of mornings. can anyone give me some suggestions on accessible places, and flies to use?
thanks

[Sparky]

I fished one night in a pretty cool place. I was sent by a tackle shop. It's due west of the airport, or is it a military base? I saw some big wakes, but I got skunked. I blew it though. Another kid with live bait caught a few snook.

I thought it was a really cool flat. I got <a href="http://www.mapblast.com/myblast/map.mb?CMD=LFILL&IC=27.9755:-82.5333:8:Tampa%2c+FL&CT=27.866923:-82.540849:300000&GAD1=Tampa+International&GAD3=Tampa%2c+FL&GAD4=USA&W=456&H=259&apmenu=TPA&apcode=TPA&AD2=TPA&AD4=USA&LV=5&Zip=33622">this map</a> from www.mapblast.com I hope this works. Check out around the "green part" west of MacDillon Airforce base on the map.

I believe there's an elks club, or veterans club there or something. Check it out!

Thorne

[dunfly]

There are a lot of areas to wade in the Tampa/St. Pete area. I think the previous response was referring to McDill Air Force Base in south Tampa. I have never fished there.

I am most familiar with Pinellas County which includes Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Here are a list of places:

1. North approach to Skyway Bridge at Blackthone Memorial.

2. Weedon Island area east of 4th Street and south of Gandy Bridge.

3. Fort Desoto Park at the extreme south end of Pinellas County off of Bayway.

4. Honeymood Island State Park in north Pinellas County (Dunedin), particullarly in Pelican Bay off the nature trail.

5. North outfall to the Anclote Power Plant, actually in south Pasco County, north of Tarpon Springs, northeast of the fishing pier.

Fishing is good in May and you are likely to find redfish, snook, baby tarpon, trout, crevale jacks and ladyfish. I would fish with decievers, clouser minnows and bend backs is in chartrues and white or orange and brown. Crab emitations (sp) also work well but are expensive.

If you have time, go by the Saltwater Fly Fisherman in downtown Clearwater. It is somewhat eclectic but the people are very helpfull.

[Sparky]

So much luscious info, I wish I was fishing Clearwater. Actually, I probably got that spot I posted from those guys. I bought a Tibor in there.

I'll console myself with the thought that I will be on Sanibel this weekend chasing 'poons. First time in more than a decade. SOOOO stoked.

Thorne


Thorne Sparkman, Publisher<BR>Reel-Time: the Internet Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing<BR>http://www.reel-time.com<BR>-- sparky@reel-time.com -

[sammy]

Thanks for the info.
I am tying flies like a madman and trying to lull myself to sleep at night with visions of big fat snook and redfish.
My friend and I also booked a guide for one day - we are going with fly rods, and bringing the womenfolk armed with light spinning gear. hoping to get some shots at some cobia.......
Then we can wade while the women sleep late.
I will let you know how it all works out.

[sammy]

One last question - what is the best tide to fish these flats?

[dunfly]

Like everything else, it depends. There are variances in the intensity of tides (water level change between high and low tide). When there is 2 to 3 feet of change between tides, I fish the flats from just after low tide to about 2 hours after low tide, as the water flows into the flats. Keep fishing till the fish quit biting. About two hours before high tide I fish the inside of passes and just after high tide until about 2 hours after high tide I fish the outside of passes.

When there is not much change between high and low tide, less than 2 feet, the fishing is not as good. I have had the best luck around oyster bars about halfway between the high and low tide.

You mentioned you have hired a guide for one day. Use that time to quiz him about tides, whats biting and when. Most guides will give you good advice but don't expect them to give away any fishing holes.

Good luck.