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them a newfound level of respect for anglers and, for many, sparked a newfound interest in shing. e competition was close, but Team Gypsea, led by Capt. Taylor Sanford and supported by fourtime Pro Bowlers Matthew Judon and Dalvin Cook, claimed the championship trophy. e grand prize winnings consisted of a $100,000 donation to the Coast Guard Foundation.

“It was fascinating to watch elite NFL athletes realize how much e ort it takes to reel in saltwater sh,” said Je Stillwell, president of Salt Life. “ eir willingness to learn about techniques and take a genuine interest in doing things correctly shows why they are top-tier athletes. Plus, there is nothing like seeing someone catch a sh for the rst time!”

SFC’s e Catch had various components, including a pro-am tournament with other NFL legends and athletes. e Awards dinner was incredible, featuring a breathtaking drone light show and a Havana-themed atmosphere.

For more, visit sport shingchampionship.com. Follow Astrid Degruchy’s shing adventures on Instagram @catching_astrid.

The Bay Area is seeing a return of large spotted sea trout, many over 20 inches. Also, the Southeast shore and the South end of Tampa Bay are reporting good catches on incoming or outgoing tides. As always, live freelined greenbacks or shrimp are the best baits for trout.

I’ve also had success catching them on cut bait when targeting redfish. Another method worth trying is a popping cork with a medium split-shot and a 2/0 circle hook floated over a grass flat. Topwater plugs or soft jerk baits work well when fishing broken bottom grass flats, especially around potholes.

There is no shortage of mullet in the Bay, and redfish aren’t far behind. Greenbacks, small pinfish, shrimp and cut bait are all good baits for these fish. For those that like pitching soft plastics and topwaters around the mangroves, expect some great action on high incoming tides. If you’re lucky to find a school of reds moving around a shoreline, setup and wait as they will move back and forth when feeding.

Mackerel are showing up all over the Bay. Find a school of threadfins and start chumming to get the bite going. I’ve been catching them in the three to four-pound range using long shank 2/0 hooks and 50-pound Seaguar Fluorocarbon 60-pound leader. For macks, try a popping cork and split shot like

BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE

you would for trout--works well when the threadfins are really thick.

The snook bite has been excellent on the Bay’s grass flats. Greenbacks, shrimp, cut pinfish and cut ladyfish are the best natural baits, but topwaters early in the morning also work. Sometimes, when the bite’s slow, you might have to try different types of tactics. One thing I try is slowly reeling a nose hooked greenback thru the water—often, this triggers a bite.

We’re seeing some cobia around the Bay. Most are cruising markers or following large rays or manatees around the flats. If you’re mackerel fishing and you have a chum bag over the side, be sure to keep your eyes open for one or two to show up around your motor in your chum slick.

Tarpon are being found at the Skyway right now. Chum with threadfins or large greenbacks on a slow in or outgoing tide. Drift a couple of cut chunks of bait back in your slick and prepare for a strike.

CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA

If you’re looking to catch something a little different in the Tampa Bay, then consider targeting lane snapper. Currently, the Bay is loaded with lane snapper at the St. Pete Bay Reef and other artificial reefs near shore. We’ve caught some nice ones on live shrimp and cut bait. The tackle that I use is a seven-foot star rod medium action with a Penn SSV 3500 with 15-pound braid. I like to use a half to three quarter-ounce knocker rig depending on the current, with a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 2/0 Owner hook.

Fish finder rigs with a two to three-foot leader also work great using the same size tackle. These setups also work for mangrove snapper, hogfish and Key West grunts.

While you’re fishing the Bay reefs, throw a live threadfin out the back of the boat with the drag semi loose on the reel. You just may hook into a tarpon.

I like to use seven-foot six-inch medium heavy action Star Rods with a Penn SSV 7500 reels and 50-pound braid with a 60 to 80-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 6/0 -7/0 Owner circle hook. All this tackle can be purchased at Mitch’s Bait and Tackle in St. Pete off of 4th street and 62nd avenue north. Put these tips to use, and you’ll set yourself up for some great summer time fishing!

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