Trout, Snapper, Best Options Around Tampa

Capt. Jason Prieto of Steady Action Fishing Charters said trout has been the best target around Bishop's Harbor, Joe Island and flats off Pinellas Point. Redfish should be mixed in with the trout.

He said white bait from 1 to 3 inches has finally showed up on the flats, and anglers can simply chum the small shiners and free line the bigger ones over a grass flat with a salt-and-pepper bottom in 3-to-6 feet of water.

"We've been catching a ton of small trout," Prieto said.

He said mangrove snapper still are around various rock piles and artificials and tarpon have shown every now and then in various rivers.

For trout, Prieto recommends hitting a 2.5- or 3-foot outgoing high tide and fishing from 8am to noon. "After that, it's just too hot," he said.

Finally, Prieto said slot-sized redfish (18 to 27 inches) have shown up in backcountry areas.

Capt. Prieto can be reached for a charters at 813-727-9890 or captjasonp@aol.com. Web site is www.steadyactionfishingcharters.com.