Gulf of Mexico Fishing - Part 3

Memorial weekend here in the US saw big crowds hit the beaches so decided to leave the fishing alone, mainly for safety sake, can't go casting a fly rod with crowds about.

Still walked the beach on a regular basis and saw quite a few fish passing through which was promising, also a few schools of tarpon were about, but the local boats offshore didn't appear to be getting into them. Interesting to watch the fly fishers on the skiffs and how the guide would suddenly change his position when he new the capability of the caster given the wind conditions.

Tuesday saw me & Mrs G up bright and early and down at Coguina boat ramp for 6 am for a trip with our good friend Capt Chad Gamble of Hook And Ladder Charters in search of the 'silver king' the Tarpon. We headed south for a couple of miles just as the sun was coming up, lovely sight. Dolphins were playing on both sides of the boat as we searched the waters for signs of our quarry.

After a few quick calls by Capt Chad to one of the other boats it seemed that they had managed to hook up just North of Longboat pass so a quick turn round and we headed back north, we eventually arrived in the general area we managed to spot tarpon rolling on the surface. Hopes were high as we drifted over the area, rods loaded with blue crabs they were cast into the area as we came on the spot, nothing happened the fish had disappeared. A quick run over to the other boat who was still hooked up to take some photos for them and one very happy angler, fish was estimated to be between 90 & 120lb, then it was off further north still looking for these elusive fish

 

Arrived at Bean Point just of the tip of Anna Maria where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay another 4 boats were alraedy fishing the waters but no one was hooked up. Suddenly the water erupted as Tarpon were jumping everywhere, now was our chance. We drifted over these fish about eight times and didn't get one single hit yet they still get on crashing out around us. At one time so close to the back of the boat that the spray wet the skipper. None of the other boats were doing any better than us it was really strange.

All these fish were an awesome sight but very frustrating, still thats fishing.

 

The rest of the week so far has been mainly Ladyfish and Jacks but sadly not in great numbers, bait fish are still scarce on the beaches although there were signs of more birds diving last night and this morning so things may be looking up.

 

For more pictures visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk.

Tight lines for the weekend where ever you are fishing