Fishing around the Terra Ceia Bay and lower Tampa Bay area this past week has been excellent for large spotted seatrout. An assortment of Bluefish, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Flounder were also in the catch this week. Tarpon are beginning to show in greater numbers and the season is just around the corner. Cobia were seen around channel markers near the Skyway Bridge this week.

 Catches of roe-filled female Trout are common right now as these big gator Trout prepare to spawn. Trout, like the one Emily Exum of Safety Harbor hoists in the photo, are abundant. This fish tipped the scales at just over 5-pounds and was caught on a CAL 1/4-ounce jig head with a night glow Shad tail by DOA Lures while fishing on lower Tampa Bay in eight feet of water.

Bottom structure was a combination of shell, sand, grass, rock, and live bottom that held plenty of small baitfish and crustaceans. Emily and her mother, Sandy Layfield, also of Safety Harbor, FL caught and released several dozen large fish while on a half-day trip with Capt. Ray Markham of the Flat Back II out of Terra Ceia.
 
Capt. Ray Markham
Flat Back II
941-723-2655
cell: 941-228-3474