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.

Sheepshead, that is. Many species cycle down for the winter months and become less active; the Sheepshead are the opposite; they are just getting fired up this time of the year. This month is a great time to target Sheepies. Where to find these zebra-striped fish is no real secret at all. In order to be successful catching Sheepshead look for structure—a rock pile, pilings under a bridge, or a nearshore reef. Sheepshead feed on barnacles as well as live bait. Shrimp, or a sand flea, or a small crab work great as well. They have a set of crusher teeth for a reason. What may appear to look like a rock to other fish is dinner for a hard-mouthed Sheepshead. Sheepshead grind their food into small pieces before swallowing, making them challenging to hook at times. More times than not a Sheepshead will get away with your bait before you even know it,hence earning the name “convict fish.” Having the black and white markings is another characteristic the convict fish wears well. Hold your pole very still. You may feel a tap, tap, tap, and before you know it, your bait is gone and so is the Sheepshead.

Hold your pole very still; you may even want to place a finger on the line as it comes off the bail to better feel the fish and increase your reaction time for setting the hook. Sheepshead can be great fun to catch. Although they do not have nearly the power to smoke the drag on your reel, as a Kingfish does, they do have enough strength to get your attention once they are hooked. If you want to increase your odds of catching these “convict fish” bring along a bucket filled with barnacle shavings from local docks or pilings to chum with. If you’re willing to use the chum in this manner you will maximize your winter fishing experiences. Once the chum slick is found, you will soon be counting Sheep as you start reeling up one after another. Just like snapper, Sheepshead fishing can be very active once you get the attention of the fish below. Also, just like Snapper are famous for doing, the Sheepshead will leave you a bare hook time and time again, until you get more comfortable with feeling the initial bite.

It’s time to let the tacklebox do the talking. After a spring, summer and fall of hard use, your tackle is showing some wear and tear. Now with winter approaching, Steve Chaconas, a BoatU.S. Angler fishing expert and professional guide, has these ten tips for a winter tacklebox “overhaul” that will get you ready for next season, and keep you focused on fishing while the waters are frozen over.

1. Take a look at all of your lures. There are likely a few you never tied on. Here’s an idea: Get some lure paint from a fishing craft store such as Jann’s Netcraft and change the color of the lure to match up closer to ones that produce. If you don’t want to do that, just give them to a kid to use or another fishing buddy.
2. Next, examine the hooks on your crankbaits and topwaters and replace them or sharpen. With spinnerbaits, sharpen hooks and take a look at the rubber skirts. Replace them if necessary. A tip: Tying some nylon thread above the rubber collar on the skirt will keep it in place.
3. Organize. Inventory. Stocking tackle over the winter gives you a great running start in the spring.
4. If you’re a bit more organized, you can take your reels apart to clean, grease and oil.
5. If you decide to remove the line completely from a reel, you don’t want to re-spool until you go fishing again next spring as line memory makes it harder to cast. Another school of thought that may save a little time and money is to not remove all of the line, leaving some “backing,” or a permanent length of line on the reel. This way, you don’t have to replace all of the line every year. To leave the correct length of backing, make one long cast and then cut the line. Then tie the lure or weight on and make a second long cast, cut the line, and repeat this process one more time. Now that you’ve gotten about three cast-lengths of line removed from the reel, you’re ready to tie your new line onto the end of the backing line. No matter which route you go, try to recycle your discarded fishing line.
6. Back to the reel. After you clean the exterior, pay attention to areas where line passes. On baitcasting reels, it’s the line guide. Use a Q-Tip or pipecleaner dipped in WD-40. For spinning reels, it’s the line roller. To lubricate, put a drop of oil or grease on the worm gear, on the spinning reel line roller, and on the bail pivot points. It’s also a good idea to clean the handles and oil the axles.
7. For rods, check the guides and wraps. If a guide has a scratch, nick, or groove, replace it. Some anglers brush a Q-Tip inside the guide to see if a piece of cotton is left behind. I use a magnifying glass. I want to see what’s really going on. If the guide wraps are loose or exposed, repair this area. Again, your tackle retailer has all the supplies.
8. Winter is also a good time to take a hard look at what you’re carrying in your tacklebox. Is there something in there you don’t use? Something you’ve needed? Winter allows you the time to research new lures, or even a new tacklebox.
9. Beyond tackle, there are a few other items you may want to think about having in your tacklebox: basic first-aid items, an extra mini-flashlight, spare knife, a small bottle of bug repellant, an emergency space blanket, and perhaps some extra cordage. Just make sure it’s serviceable.

This last tip isn’t for your tacklebox, but it’s an important one and something I do every year. If you use inflatable life jackets, I like to test and replace my re-arm kits in the fall when we revert back to Standard Time. That way, it helps me remember to change my smoke detector batteries and re-arm my life jacket at the same time.

Join Captain Sergio and his staff of eight (8) instructors for a fun action-packed learning experience. Captain Sergio Atanes will teach inshore and offshore fishing basics for the beginner and more advanced. A ten (10) class course, two hours each. Classes are held on Monday and Tuesday nights. Total cost: $75.00 per person, includes fishing school text. In order to give personalized attention, classes are limited to 30 students. Classes Run 6:45 PM To 9 PM

Topics Covered in Class Tackle Selection – Rigging – Baits – Artificials – Knot Tying Electronics – Castnetting – Trolling – Tides and Moon Phases When – Where – How To Find Fish January 12-13-19-20-26-27 Tampa Fishing Outfitters Castnetting Class Saturday January 24 February 2-3-4 3916 West Osborne Ave. Tampa, FL 33614 Sponsors: Mackay Marine - Sheaffer Boat - Magic Tilt Trailers - Yamaha - Daiwa - Ocean Waves - TFO Good fishing and tight lines. Captain Sergio Atanes S & I Charters, Inc. www.reelfishy.com

October fishing was hot here in southwest Florida. October has always been a transition month with many species of fish on the move, which makes for some great fishing action. November brings great fishing as well. Redfish were not the only fish taking the spotlight. Fall fishing is as good as it gets. Kingfish, Snook, Spanish Mackeral, Trout, Pompano, Permit, Tripletail, as well as Tarpon can all be targeted this time of the year. I even was lucky enough to catch a fish I have never been able to catch before. One that is surely not a common fish to our local waters. More on that later. Tarpon are still hanging around. I was blessed with some fantastic Tarpon action in October. Big Tarpon in the harbor feed on the many huge schools of baitfish that surface this time of the year. Life is good when I’m able to still catch Silver King well into October. Tarpon have always been one of my favorite fish to catch. I recently purchased a new Shimano Teramar rod to put my Shimano Stella 8000 reel on, which has been my go-to reel for Tarpon.

When I am looking to do battle with those diamond-plated jumbo sardines “Stella” has always allowed me to fight Tarpon with ease. Equipped with some perfect-size ladyfish in the baitwell, I met Captain Van Hubbard one early morning to set out in search of some late season Tarpon action. When, on my drive to the boat that morning, I saw an eagle soar against the beautiful blue sky, I knew it was gong to be a special day. Within a few moments we were seeing Tarpon roll, one here and one there. No real big concentration of fish but enough to get our adrenalin going. The pods of baitfish were everywhere. The sight and sounds of those huge schools of minnows is sure to get my blood pressure up. We worked the areas near the bait and sent our ladyfish out hoping to attract some hungry Tarpon. It was not long before the rod bent over “Fish On.” When the Tarpon exploded out of the water, through the sparkling reflection of the sun, I knew, then and there, I was right where I wanted to be. My new rod was about to be put to the test, a test passed with flying colors. Well, mostly silver in color, but still received a passing grade as I worked this huge 150-pound Tarpon back to the boat. More and more Tarpon began to show themselves. After a few quick photos and a quick leader release, it was time to go catch another one. Watching these huge fish free jump through pods of bait is a sight to remember.

Some folks don’t think we have seasons here in Florida, but if you spend your time outside you’ll see and feel changes. For example, when I start out before daybreak to catch minnows my outfit has changed from shorts and a t-shirt to slickers, and some mornings even require boots. Our water temps are down into the seventies and will continue dropping into February. Snook are very temperature sensitive; but Redfish more tolerant. Trout closes south of Tarpon Springs on the first of November. Outside Grouper will move closer into shallower waters now. Both Mackerel will probably peak soon; their movements are controlled by water temps. Winter snow is not a problem, but cold weather changes our tactics.

I have noticed the white pelicans, ducks, etc, have been flying south ahead of recent weather, a sure warning of winter’s approach. On the water baitfish and migratory Mackerel, Sharks, Cobia, etc. have moved in and offer hot action until the water temps drop below 70 degrees. Because now one knows how soon the fronts will get cold enough to run these migrations south, it’s time to fish whenever the winds allow. We are blessed with moderate weather here in Florida, but our fishing varies dramatically with water temps. We can expect great fishing during this transition period. Snook will still feed aggressively during the warmer periods, especially on the south winds just ahead of fronts. Since we did get cooler than normal in October expect to find fish upstream earlier than normal.

Try canals, creeks, rivers, and deeper protected waters. Minnow may be hard to catch so it’s time for lures. Rattletraps, MirrOLures, and, of course, soft plastics are all proven producers. If you can fish only cooler days try protected areas and go slow. Redfish almost seem to enjoy the cooler waters. As the cooler northest winds blow the water from grass flats Reds drop into deeper protected edges and hold until the incoming tide flow. They still eat if they see food and you can catch a lot of fish if you locate ‘em. Be patient with all fish in cooler waters; slow down the retrieve! Soft plastics and gold spoons are great; pinfish are choice natural baits. Fly fishing is fun on calmer days. It can be even more productive than bait because you can float your fly in so quietly, without a big splash. The flats waters are crystal clear and sight fishing is challenging now. Many flats fish are perfect slot keepers. The schools of over slot “bull Reds” are mostly in the Gulf now; and the smaller fifteen to twenty inch “rat Reds” bunch up now in the holes of deeper creeks and rivers.

With luck the hurricanes are behind us and we can look forward to great fish catching, around “Rays” play-off baseball and exciting football. We are already enjoying mild fronts as far south as my home port of Boca Grande. The water temps are cooler already, down to about 82. Our inshore big three: Snook, Redfish, and Trout are available and hungry. Migratory Mackerels and Sharks, etc… have already cruised in and many more to come. With the abundant baitfish in the area, fish should go crazy for at least the next month, and maybe until Thanksgiving and cold weather. We are already catching a few Pompano also; what are you waiting for? Snook have been plentiful but full of those millions of minnows swimming everywhere. As bait minnows begin move around Snook will return to our fishing baits and help the catching.

Some fish, mostly small dinks, are still outside, but many are already in the creeks too. Don’t be staying too long in any area that does not produce action. You will rarely find fish in the same place two days in a row now. Most fish are greedy, so move around as required if you don’t get strikes. Lures will be productive early and as minnows move on. The slot is tight but we do have plenty of fish, so your odds are good to land dinner now. Redfish are bunching up and can offer red hot bites. Several other captains reported bites that wore their anglers out. These trips are not always predictable; but dependable action is a real probability. We frequently catch all three inshore slam fish on one spot in the fall. And Tarpon are not uncommon; we saw three today. You usually get one species, then the other, but they mix if things are just right. Do not over chum and spoil your action. Many anglers over feed their fish and ruin the bite. The birds can take over and mess up your bite too. If you are quiet and keep a fish on most of the time you do not need much chum.

The Weekend Angler Fishing Tournament Committee welcomes you to the very first Casting for Recovery Fishing Tournament event. The tournament date is Saturday November 8th, 2008 and is open to all. Fishing hours will be from 7am to 3pm. No exceptions! There is no mandatory captain’s meeting for pre-registered anglers. There are not many rules. No photos, no measuring boards, no boundaries. Just bring in your biggest legal fish to win cash in the five categories below. ALL FLORIDA LAWS MUST BE OBEYED. The weigh-in will be at Marker 25 Marina, 1125 channel marker way. All anglers must be present for cash prizes. Cash prizes will be based on the number of entries received. Anyone can win this tournament easily! Remember, time counts in case of a tie. Start fishing anywhere at 7a.m., if pre-registered. Again weigh-in at 3p.m.–live bait or artificials.

All net proceeds will benefit Casting For Recovery, a national non-profit support and educational program for women who have, or have had, breast cancer. There will be five divisions: Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Spanish Mackerel. Anyone can enter. Land-based anglers, bridge or pier fisherman and boats. Entry Fees are $55.00 per angler. Entry fees for an Anclote Key Angler member will be $45.00. Entries will be taken the morning of the tournament for $65.00 starting at 6a.m. This Tournament is for the sole purpose of raising money to support Casting For Recovery, and having fun for the weekend angler, as well as introducing children and beginners to the great sport of fishing. Professional fisherman are welcome also. Questions call 727-943-5011 or 727-389-5099. There will be a concession stand with snacks and drinks at the weigh-in.

In the last article I wrote that we were going to be changing our fishing habits. Well, now that the water has cooled off, the annual migration of fish is in full swing. Fish of all sorts will be moving through our area. Pine Island Sound is one of the most ecologically sensitive and vibrant bodies of water in the world. With that in mind, we are going to have a plethora of fish take up winter residence. My two favorites, the Snook and Red, are making their way into the backwaters away from boat traffic and cold water. Last season my partner, John Paeno, and I located some of the sweetest fishing holes one would want to fish, and the best part of it is you can get there only by kayak. As the water continues to cool down, the fish are going to be in the shallower warmer waters for the rest of the season, providing excellent cold-water action throughout the winter months. When the water gets cooler the fish have a tendency to be less aggressive as when the water is warmer.

Bait presentation needs to be slowed down, meaning don’t crank and twitch as rapidly as you normally do; also cut-baits soaked on the bottom will almost guarantee you a Snook or Red. Be patient and work an area that you choose to fish. The fish are cold and it may take them a minute to muster up the energy to move from a sunbeam. Potholes are great places for Snook and Red. Pine island Sound is loaded with them, and the backwaters have plenty of potholes on the flats constructed by the very fish that forrage in these areas. The water is very clear right now and one should be very sneaky when approaching your potholes or flat. John and I actually get out and wade the shoreline because not only are there fish up in the mangrove line but also the adjacent deep water surrounding the flats. Some flats actually have traffic channels right next to them and it doesn't seem to affect the fishing...probably because everybody drives 40 miles an hour and drives right past them. Nobody fishes them. We Do!! With that type of scenario you have the opportunity to fish both extremely shallow and up to ten feet in depth in the adjacent channels.

As of June 1st of this year, there are new state and federal regulations requirements in place that all recreational and commercial fisherman need to obey when fishing for reef species in the Gulf of Mexico. Many anglers are probably not even aware of the new regulations, but need to be. Anglers need to carry and use circle hooks when using cut or live bait to target these reef fish. They also now are required to have dehooking device, as well as a venting tool, onboard. These new regulations were put into place to help reduce bycatch while helping to eliminate mortality of reef fish when they are caught but not kept. Anglers need to be sure they have this new gear requirement on their boats at all times. If this new gear is used properly it will increase the survival rate of the reef fish that are caught and then released. Just having the equipment onboard is not enough; we, as responsible anglers, need to kow how to use each device as well.

Fishery management have certain regulations in place such as minimum size restrictions and daily bag limits to help protect the resource and ensure fishing will be enjoyed for many years to come. If anglers choose to ignore these new regulations, it defeats the purpose of all the current regulations in place here in Florida, as well as around the world. Circle hooks are being used more and more by anglers. They have been used many decades by the commercial fisherman, due to their ability to catch fish more efficiently. No question about it—circle hooks reduce fish mortality. Dehookers are used to dislodge the hook from a fish’s mouth without having to remove the fish from the water, and it helps anglers from having to touch the fish, which helps to keep their protective slime untouched as well (always handle fish with wet hands). There are many different shapes and sizes available depending on what size fish you will be targeting. The quicker you can get the hook out of a caught fish, the quicker that fish can be released unharmed to swim away, to spawn, and perhaps be caught again by others who enjoy fishing as much as we do.