Skyway Bait and Tackle

Welcome to the weekend fishing prediction with Captain Griffin Deans of Slot Machine Fishing Charters and Skyway Bait & Tackle!

We’ve got some funny weather rolling out there. Saturday looks like a 50% chance of rain, so I’m sure we’ll see some rain at some point. We’ll see how it comes. We may have to wait it out at a couple of points and then get back out there when it ends like we did last weekend. It will bump down Sunday, hopefully, and we’ll be able to get out there and get a bump as it ends. 

This time of year, you can pretty much go out there and target what you want to with some good success. Tarpon are biting right now along with snook and redfish everywhere. Trout have been great as well. 

Good luck this weekend, guys. We hope you have a chance to get out there and catch some fish! 

-Capt. Griffin Deans

To book an inshore fishing charter with Captain Griffin Deans call (941) 920-1862 or visit Slotmachinefishingcharters.com. 

INSHORE KAYAKERS 

At some point, you realize there’s never bad weather, only bad gear. A good rain jacket, self-bailing kayaks, and radar can assist in getting you on the water for the bite between storms. 

Watch your radar for rain, wind, and lightning. It’s okay to fish in the rain, and most boats can handle some wind – but the lightning is no joke. People are struck on the beaches every year, and sitting in the water with a metal rod in your hand could be just the challenge that storm is looking for. 

Some apps give real-time lightning accounts, but the best way to know if there’s lightning nearby is thunder. If you can hear thunder, it’s close enough to strike – and time to get off the water.  

Storms move fast here in Tampa Bay. This can be great news because you know you’ll be out there again soon. It can also leave you caught in a storm with little time to prepare.  

If you end up in the middle of our famous “pop-up” storms this time of year, seek shore and shelter until you can safely paddle home. The first rule of boater safety is to tell somewhen where you’re going and how long you’ll be out there, so they know when to expect you back. If you can communicate, give them a call, so they’re not worried and enjoy the view. It shouldn’t last too long. 

Stay safe out there, everyone, and we’ll see you on the water! 

To book an inshore kayak charter with Captain Erik, visit FishLikeUs.com or call (360) 797-3275. 

OFFSHORE REPORTS

Species currently being reported are: 

• Grouper
• Tuna
• Kingfish
• Snapper
• Sailfish

BAIT SHOP TIPS, TALES, & SALES! 

You wouldn’t think we’d run out of shrimp on such a weather-laden week, but we did it again! This seems like a bad report as you’re walking through the door and headed out fishing, but we’d like to change your mind. This means people are headed out fishing! And that’s a really good thing for many reasons. 

1. Fishing is healthy. You get a chance to get out of the house, breathe fresh air, and take in a little sunshine on your skin. These types of changes can increase your immune system, and in turn, your health. 
2. Fishing is active. And activity not only helps you remain healthy, but it usually involves a community. Out there on the water, we’re reminded that other people exist and that we have a tribe. Working toward a common goal is one thing we all have in common, and the action required to make it happen is a bonus. 
3. Fishing is a catalyst for all scenarios of life. Learning how to inspire courage, take action, and follow-through will not only improve your fishing game – but your life. 

We’re ramping up never to have to tell you, “We’re out of live bait,” again. In the meantime, we encourage you to go fishing and try some of our artificial baits and frozen bait options in these instances. They will catch fish, improve your skill sets, and propel your life. 

In the instance that you don’t know how to use lures and frozen bait, we highly suggest you call the Captain’s above and book a charter. Kayak fishing often involves lures for trolling, and there is no shortage of frozen bait on Griffin Deans’ boat. 

Catch more fish!  

-The Skyway Bait Team