Gandy Bait & Tackle (813-839-5551): Zack says recent warming has meant a stronger bite all over the bay. Customers have reported that redfish that had retreated to the backwaters began moving out along the flats at Weedon and Picnic Islands, and at the top of the bay, they moved out of Rocky and Double Branch creeks to explore the mangroves and bars near the mouths of both creeks. Warming also has seen the return of baitfish schools, with anglers netting live sardines and threadfin shad at the Gandy and Howard Frankland bridges. The threads also have been hanging around some of the markers and tripods in the bay. A sure sign that things are heading in the right direction has been that some school mackerel have worked in from the Skyway Bridge area up to nearly the Gandy Bridge. A few customers also reported that while most snook remain in the rivers and other backwaters, a few have been spotted working out the bay shorelines and points. Another good sign is that a few cobias have shown up around markers, with Hillsborough Bay being a good place to keep an eye out for them. Trout fishing picked up. Most fish are just off the shallow flats in deeper water, though by the weekend it’s expected warming water may see more fish in shallow water. Live shrimp, small live sardines or jigs with soft-plastic tails are good bait choices. For sheepshead, work the bay bridge pilings, reefs and docks. There are plenty of them around, and live fiddler crabs or shrimp takes them.

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