Look for large schools of Jacks in the Little Manatee River and around the power plants. Rivers act much the same as a small power plant; the dark bottom and decaying plants along the shoreline increase the water temperature and Snook are warm-body fish which seek the warmest water. Snook and Trout are hanging around the holes in the rivers and around Cockroach Bay backwaters; white bait is the trick and can be found around the Skyway pier.

Free-lined shrimp will also do the trick as long as the pinfish leave them alone. Fish the start of the outgoing tide around creeks and cuts along the mangroves. I consider them highways for the larger fish; as the tide drops they start moving into the deeper water around the tips of the mangrove islands. Artificial baits work well this time of year; remember to work them slow (slower the better), use clear color baits for clean water areas and dark baits in the rivers. Always match the hatch to improve your catch. Good fishing and tight lines. A native resident of Tampa,Captain Sergio Atanes has fished from Tampa Bay to Boca Grande for over 40 years. Owner and operator of S & I Charters, with 45 professional captains on staff, Capt. Sergio is host of Outdoor Fishing Adventures Radio Show on WGUL 860 AM radio Saturday mornings 7 to 9 AM.