Capt. George Hastick (727-525-1005): Capt. George reports anglers may not want to make fishing harder by chasing the usual trout, reds and snook this week, as the cold nights will make the task a lot harder. Instead, those who focus on sheepshead, silver trout and whiting have the best chance of being rewarded. All three species feed well in cold water and are not turned off by big temperature drops the way others are. The bigger sheepshead he’s finding have been on rock piles in 10 to 12 feet of water, with live shrimp taking them. Live fiddler crabs have been producing better around docks, though the dock sheepshead have been running smaller. The whiting and sheepshead are going to be in deep canals and channels. One of the best producing spots is the boat channel out of the Gandy Boat ramp, where it’s not unusual to see a number of small boats anchored up and dropping shrimp to the bottom for both species. Boaters with sonar units can find both by looking for “big balls” of fish hanging close to the bottom in water 10 to 15 feet deep. Once found, it’s easy to load up on them for a fish fry. Other good options in the current conditions include working the edges of the shipping channels in the bay, where there has been some good catch-and-release gag grouper action. Though grouper is out of season, many are landing a lot of nice-sized grunts while fishing for them, and they are great on the table. Spots that have been productive include the channels at Port Manatee and the Skyway. Those who do want to go after the more glamorous inshore species may want to try the Weedon and Big Bend power plants, where water used to cool the generators is expelled, warming the surrounding water. Trout, reds and even snook, along with cobia and jacks are not unusual catches even in very cold conditions.

Hillsborough County unveils $211M aid program for storm-damaged homes

King High School senior’s invention targets anxiety using tarantula venom

From Cuba to New Tampa, a life shaped by discipline and music

Temple Terrace officer hit 104 mph before fatal crash that killed child, FHP says

Most Popular

Submit Your News

Events Calendar

Newsletters

Keep up with your communities!