Site Navigation

BobM · #1 01-26-2000, 10:19 PM

I will be visiting the Tampa area in late March and was wondering what was the best way to catch some Spotted Sea Trout. I have both fly and spinning gear. I will be fishing from shore and a guide is out of the question, at least for this trip.

daveb · #2 01-27-2000, 12:15 PM

I'm no expert but have fished SW Fla for trout a few times.
Live shrimp on a popping cork is the most popular method. Gribs and rubber shad are also very good. I've never tried fly fishing for them but imagine any schoolie bass fly would probably work. Look for them in depressions (pot holes)that time of year, these will be sandy areas in the midst of the turtle grass.

BobM · #3 01-27-2000, 11:08 PM

Hey DaveB; Thanks for the response, I'll have to give it a try and see what happens. I'll return the favor some day. I've read about flys called clousers, If anyone knows what they are, please advise.

Jim W · #4 01-28-2000, 10:57 PM

I was in Tampa 2 week ago during the warm spell.  The hotel I stayed at had fish jumping in a lagoon right outside my window.  I was there for only 3 days for work and did not even think to bring a rod, no time.  Fish started 1/2 hour after sun up and went til 10am.  I don't know what they were but they seemed concentrated on the rocks near the shore.  The second day there was a blitz, birds and all.   It was the double tree near the airport.  
Here's a link to a type of clouser, normally there is a wing and a belly but this one seemed to more closely resemble a shrimp.  The eyes are what makes a clouser, they're weighted and challenging to cast.  <A href="http://www.saltwaterflies.com/charlie.html">http://www.saltwaterflies.com/charlie.html</A>   
Good Luck, and let me know how you do.
 

<DIV align=left><PRE>Jim Whalen</PRE></DIV>

Fishboy · #5 02-11-2000, 11:03 PM

Bob - you've probably seen clousers before - the main feature is a pair of lead eyes to weight the fly.
I'm going to try and post a pic of one:

<html>
<img src= "http://cipolla.ne.mediaone.net/~pamet/Images/polafibre clouser.jpg">
</html>

It is a great fly for all kinds of fishing. Hope this helps. I can provide tying instructions if needed. Just e-mail.