Tarpon Springs fishing report
January 17th, 2006 by Fishing admin
Tarpon Springs fishing report - Back-to-back cold fronts are likely to make fishing tougher this week. Strong winds Saturday and Sunday churned the gulf into a muddy mess. To make matters worse, the National Weather Service says another front is expected to pull winds from the south Tuesday evening, increasing their speeds to 20 mph Wednesday, then shifting to a strong northwesterly flow Thursday.
Protected residential canals are fishable in just about any conditions, producing redfish, sheepshead, flounder and a few snook. Docks and sunny corners of these canals are good places to cast. Patiently creeping live shrimp across the bottom will draw the most strikes.
In northern Pinellas and Pasco counties, the upper stretches of the Anclote and Cotee rivers are the go-to spots for many when the weather turns ugly. The trip inland winds through miles of wooded areas and old Florida scenery. The ride alone is always enjoyable, but look for a variety of fish when reaching the area where the salinity becomes more fresh than salt. Small tarpon are common around the numerous springs and black drum, snook, big jack cravelle and redfish gather in the deeper river bends. Large trees that have fallen into the water provide prime habitat for fish that have migrated from the gulf and surrounding estuaries. Finger mullet are one of the best baits for up-river fishing and usually be can cast-netted along the waters edge.
–Ed Walker charters out of Tarpon Springs. Call 727 944-3474 or e-mail info@lighttacklecharters.com