Salonika Bait and Tackle, (727) 849-6377: Danny says the bite was good this week, with many anglers finding their fish in the backwaters around mangroves and bars. Big trout and reds have been the main targets. Salt Springs, mangroves in Leisure Beach, Green Key and other backwater area have been producing some jumbo trout, which have been falling out onto open grass flats in the middle of day. The Anclote power plant outfall has been giving up some nice trout, a few pompano and the odd permit. Offshore anglers have been getting by with a few red grouper and big grunts, but the urge to head out has diminished since the gag grouper season closed. The rivers are the place to find sheepshead and drum.
Fisherman's World, (727) 942-8944: Matt says the pier at Anclote Gulf Park has been giving up some trout, including fish 20 inches or better. Shrimp and D.O.A. shrimp have been producing. A couple of pompano and permit were reported by anglers fishing the outfall canal at the park. A key to success this week will be working potholes with dark-colored jigs and other artificials, as the water is likely to be on the dark side from the winds generated by the front.
Anclote Bait and Tackle, (727) 945-1808: Mike says the trout bite at the Anclote power plant is picking up, and some jumbo fish have been reported. A fish of 9 pounds was landed. Reds have been a good bet there, as well, with most being oversized. Black drum and sheepshead have been taken there, as well.
Pier 60, (727) 462-6466: Tom says anglers fishing jigs or shrimp on the bottom have been taking flounder to 18 inches. Mackerel have been schooling mornings, with fish 14 to 18 inches taking shrimp, spoons and Gotcha Plugs. Pompano to 2 pounds have been landed, and sand trout 12 to 14 inches have been common.
The Long Pier, (727) 391-9398: John reports anglers are taking a mix of trout, reds, whiting and flounder. Fish are biting well in the evenings under the lights, taking shrimp. Some trout are being caught on jigs with root beer soft tails. A few pompano are showing up in catches, with fish taking pompano jigs tipped with shrimp. Some small mackerel have been caught on shrimp.
Clearwater Bait and Tackle, (727) 669-5455: Silver trout have been taken, along with some whiting at the small bridge on the western end of the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Shrimp has been best. Trout to 22 inches have been biting well at the big bridge on the causeway. Reds have been running 19 to 24 inches at the Largo inlet, with a good number of oversized fish in the mix. Live shrimp and cut mullet have been tops.