July 2011 Fishing Report for Clearwater Fl

July 2011 Fishing Report

July has been a very exciting and busy month for catching a number of different fish around the Clearwater and Dunedin waters.  Yes, the weather has been on the warm side and the water temperature has been downright hot.  But that did not get in the way of some great fishing my clients enjoyed during the month.  Below are some of the catches and a lot of smiling faces.

Snook continued to bite during the moving tides.  John and son, Jacob, came out to try the summer time fishing in Clearwater.  They started out catching a couple of snook in Clearwater Pass.  Both anglers’ fish measured in at 28 inches and put up a fast and furious fight on the light tackle.  We moved inside the bay on some flats looking for redfish.  John found a nice 25 inch red using shrimp for bait.  Using white bait, Jacob caught a 19 inch trout soon after.  That gave the anglers a respectable 72 inch three fish slam.

I used the same method to get Scott and Jan, with sons, Lex and Cole, their first snook.  Jan hooked up the first snook and did a great job bringing the 30 inch fish to the boat.  We lost several others on the surface after some long screaming runs.  I moved to the inside of the bay and everybody caught redfish and trout. The kids landed their favorite fish, a pair of small sharks.  They loved catching the small Black Tips and Bonnet Heads sharks. 

Brad, Debbie and son Charlie joined Capt. Gary for a sampling of Clearwater’s famous fishing.  Brad started the day with a beautiful 34 inch snook caught in Clearwater Pass.  He followed up with a small 18 inch cobia.  Then Debbie and Charlie got into the action with redfish, trout and some small sharks. 

Kent and Gaye with family, Lindsay and Travis, brought their fishing skills for a day on the water.  The snook bite was on and all four anglers caught a line sider.  Gaye had the biggest measuring in at 32 inches.  Others included Lindsay’s 30 inch fish and Travis’s 29 incher.  Three smaller fish were caught and released to fight again.  This fishing family added redfish, trout and several flounder caught by Travis.  Both Kent and daughter, Lindsay, caught the three fish slam.

Snook continued to add a lot of action for my clients in July.  Redfish were scattered throughout the inshore waters of Clearwater and trout continue to bite on the grass flats when the water is moving.  The one fish that has not shown up in the bays this year is the mackerel.  Last year, they were all over the bays with some very large fish caught.

Good luck and go catch’em up.

Capt. Gary
www.allcatchcharters.com

For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: http:www.allcatchcharters.com/ Thank you, Capt. Gary

March fishing report for Clearwater Fl. Full report with photo's here.

First half of March 2011 Fishing Narratives

The water temperature reached above the magical spring number of 70 degrees at the end of February.  The fishing action went to the next level and shifted into high gear.  The quantity and quality of fish improved considerably.   As we entered into March, a cold front passed and sent the water temps back to 65 and left us with some windy conditions.   The action stalled and the fish scattered throughout the bays.

Our fishing exploits continued at a moderate rate in March with trout and redfish supplying most of the encounters.  Mackerel and lady fish showed up to add reel screaming, rod bending excitement.

I have detailed some of my trips below for the first half of the month to give an indication of the bite that’s going on during the busiest fishing time of the year.

Karl and Joe settled in and started catching trout and a few redfish.  We were able to entice a few early season mackerel as well.  All of our fish were caught on live shrimp rigged up under a float.  We moved around Clearwater Bay looking for moving water, grass flats and around mangrove shore lines until we found fish. That seemed to be the winning combination. For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: http:www.allcatchcharters.com/ Thank you, Capt. Gary

Mike and son, Zack came out on a beautiful early March day for plenty of catching action.  They caught a good quantity of trout.  All seemed to be near the legal limit of 15 inches.  We caught red drum (redfish), black drum and speckled sea trout (drum family) which added up to a drum slam.

On a cool early March day, Mick and Shaun came aboard and employed the same tactics.  We started out back in the mangroves catching a dozen or so trout.  Our next location was the flats in Clearwater Bay looking for redfish.  It wasn’t long till Shaun hooked up on a nice 25 inch redfish and did a nice job landing the fish.  We moved on and found another school of redfish and boated 8 before the bite shut down and we headed in.

Danny, wife Stacey and sons, Tyler and Blake joined me for an early spring day of fishing.  Our first location was back in the mangroves were we found lots of trout.  I wasn’t counting but I think Ty and Blake out caught mom and dad! 

We moved on to another area in Clearwater and found some bigger trout along with speedy mackerels and a few high flying ladyfish.  Five year old Blake gets bragging rights by catching the biggest mackerel.  It measured in at 24 inches and put on a drag screaming show.   Tyler showed his talents by catching at least one of every fish caught that day.  Way to go Ty.

Last half of March looks to be even better than the first.  Water temps are on the rise and so is the action.  White bait is showing up in the bays and it won’t be long until it becomes the predators main food source.

Capt. Gary
http://www.allcatchcharters.com/

April Forecast for Clearwater Fl and Dunedin fishing areas

                                       April 2011 Fishing Forecast

Not only do the boys of summer throw their first pitch to start the 2011 MLB season, but the fishing in the Clearwater and Dunedin area kicks up another notch.  April and May could be the best time to go fishing on the West Coast of Florida.

The perfect scenario would be, temperature in the middle 70’s and bait fish showing up in the bays.  Pick your species of fish to chase, net up some white bait and go for it.

Redfish:  They will be scattered throughout the mangroves and oyster bar shore lines.  You will need a high tide to get up close to the mangroves and search lots of areas.  Use your white bait and chum a little, this should get their attention. 

Trout:  Look for moving water in the bays with a grass and sand bottom.  Chose a spot were your flat is next to deeper water, the trout like to set up on the edge and pick off their food.  Toss out your baits under a float and keep it next to the shallows.

Snook:  The snook will be on their way to the beaches and passes in late April.  You may find them at the spoil islands or in the shallows near the passes.  Here on the West Coast, the population is a lot less than it was, but still worth your time and effort when one is hooked.  Be nice and get them back in the water, we need every snook for spawning.

Other targeted species will be tarpon, kingfish, cobia and plenty of mackerel in the bays.

Mark your calendars, take time off from work, play hooky, or call in sick.  But get out there and join in the best time of the year to go fishing.

Booking late spring and summer charters now.  Call and reserve.

Capt. Gary
http://www.allcatchcharters.com/

For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit:  http:www.allcatchcharters.com/ Thank you,
 Capt. Gary

Fishing Early March

Have been on the water a lot this week and the fishing action has gone off the charts. Trout, redfish, mackerel, ladyfish, sheepshead and black drum. When the water temperatures reach 70 degrees, watch out. Spring break is here and the fish know it. April forecast out soon and March summary as well. Stay tuned!!

Capt. Gary
http://www.allcatchcharters.com/

For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: http:www.allcatchcharters.com/ Thank you, Capt. Gary

March Fishing Forecast for Clearwater Fl

                     March 2011 Fishing Forecast

After a prolonged, below normal cold winter, the fish will be itching to push up on the flats looking for something to eat in March.  The days are longer and the sunshine is stronger, helping to warm the waters of Clearwater and St. Joseph Sound in Dunedin.

Trout action has been excellent in Dunedin and Clearwater.  The spoil islands in Dunedin attract a lot attention because every winter they hold tons of quality size trout.  This should continue through March and into April.

Toss your shrimp out under a float during the incoming tide on the north side of the islands.  Stay within 20 to 40 feet from the shore line and hold on.  A lot of these trout will be 20+ inches in size. 

Throwing artificials out around the boat in-between bites is a good way to increase the odds and the action.  It will also help locate the fish if they move.

I had my clients catching big gator trout in Clearwater Bay last month and March should be no different.  Several nice 24 inchers and lots of 20+ inch fish have been caught throughout the bay.  Get yourself on the spotted grass flats throughout the bay and toss out a shrimp under a float.  This method has taken its share of gator trout.

As the water warms in late March, look for the white bait to make their return throughout the bays.  This should draw some different types of fish to the party such as mackerel, lady fish, kingfish and even an early tarpon.

The fishing action turns the corner in early March and charges full steam ahead by the end of the month.   Don’t miss Clearwater and Dunedin’s spring break fishing fever? 

Capt. Gary is booking spring charters now.

For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: http:www.allcatchcharters.com/ Thank you,
Capt. Gary

Tampa Bay Boat Show and Florida Fishing School - Read More-

Just a quick reminder that the Tampa Bay Boat Show is back bigger than ever at the
Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.  Mark your calendars for March 11, 12 and 13.
Millions of dollars of inventory will be on display.  And yes admission is free.
http://www.tampabayboatsale.com/fishingschool.jpg

Presented by the St. Petersburg Times.  http://www.tampabay.com/

Don't get confused, it's not March 5th, it's March 11, 12 and 13.And again this year come out and see the "Gulf & Bay Florida Fishing School.  Learn
and ask questions from the areas top Pro Captains and Fishing Experts.  Nineteen
special presentations are slated for the three days.

I will be on stage Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm both days with my popular Inshore
Fishing Techniques on Sat. and Cast Netting on Sun.

Come on by and say hey and check out the exhibits.

Capt. Gary
http://www.allcatchcharters.com/

For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: http:www.allcatchcharters.com/ Thank you, Capt. Gary

Clearwater Fl Inshore Flats Fishing

Inshore charter fishing in Clearwater Florida can be the most exciting and relaxing fishing experience you'll ever have. Clearwater flats fishing has been one of the truly enjoyable encounters that vacationers and locals alike, have taken pleasure in for many years.

Clearwater fishing charters includes all of what inshore and flats fishing has to offer. Clearwater Pass is a major water way from the intracoastal waters into the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater Pass sits next to world famous Clearwater Beach, which was voted one of the best beaches in the US.

On the inside bay area, there are numerous and incredible grass flats to attract many of the local species of fish. Redfish, snook, trout, tarpon, mackerel and many other fish can be caught on a Clearwater fishing charter. Fishing the incoming and outgoing tides around the pass is always a challenge and very productive during all seasons.

So if you are looking for an exciting vacation in one of the most sought after locations in the country and want to charter one of the best inshore guides in the area, then Clearwater Beach and Captain Gary Burch is your choice.

If you are a serious angler and want to catch a trophy fish or just want to get out on the pristine waters and catch fish, then Clearwater inshore flats fishing is for you.

Captain Gary's boat, a 21' Maverick Flats Skiff, is excellent for inshore and flats and can fish almost anywhere. All equipment and bait is supplied.

Every season offers a different challenge and Captain Gary will tailor a guided trip to fit your needs. Come on out and experience Clearwater fishing and the most beautiful waters on the west coast of Florida.

Visit AllCatch Charters web site, www.allcatchcharters.com , for the latest fishing report and great photos of what’s biting.  Also see additional information on charter fishing in the Clearwater area.  You’ll be glad you did.

Capt. Gary



For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: http:www.allcatchcharters.com/ Thank you,

Capt. Gary

Searching the Waters on Thursday

It was a perfect day to be on the water today. I have clients on Saturday and needed to get out and look around a little. The trout are still in Dunedin in the shallows so I started looking for redfish. The water was dirty in several places that usualy hold the fish. I did not have any success finding very many redfish and I hope that the water clears up by Saturday.

Capt. Gary
http://www.allcatchcharters.com/

For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: http:www.allcatchcharters.com/ Thank you,
Capt. Gary

January Winter Fishing in Tampa Bay Area

                                                  January 2011

January’s weather has been rather typical for Clearwater due to the cold fronts.  Water temperatures were in the middle 50s most of the month in the Dunedin fishing area.  On occasion, the water temps reached 60 only to go back down with the passing of another cold front. 

The trout became acclimated to the cold water and started biting on everything thrown their way.  Casting artificials and retrieving very slowly along the bottom was the ticket to catching some big 20+ inch gator trout.  Once the fish were found, my clients switched to live shrimp and started catching doubles on every other cast.  This action should continue through March or until the warm spring temperatures push the big trout out.

Later in January, the weather conditions had improved and the trout fishing went off the charts.  Big gator trout moved in to the bays and were settling into their winter haunts. 

Carl and Art came aboard to search for the big trout.  The weather was nice and mild with plenty of sun.  We started out in Clearwater fishing the grass flats and caught some trout and one small redfish.  We moved up to Dunedin and with our first cast, started catching big trout.  The trout were so active that Carl and Art were hooked up at the same time on many cast.  They did a great job catching about 40 trout with a dozen of them being over 20 inches.  The two biggest trout caught were 22”.

Then Paul and Paul Jr. teamed up to stalk some of those big trout.  The water temperatures reached 60 degrees with light winds and plenty of sunshine.  We fished in St. Joseph Sound in the morning and caught a couple dozen trout in the shallows.  We moved back to Clearwater bay in the afternoon and found some of their biggest trout of the day.  They caught six to eight fish all over 20 inches

As January ended, weather and water temperatures had made a great recovery and were near normal for this time of year.  The big trout have moved in and supplied plenty of action.  Now if the redfish would settle down, this will be a fantastic winter fishing season for Dunedin fishing and Clearwater fishing areas.

Capt. Gary Burchwww.allcatchcharters.com
727 458-6335

For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: http:www.allcatchcharters.com/
Thank you,
Capt. Gary

Your Best Fishing Story

Please think of your best fishing story.  Everybody has at least one. 

I am putting together an article full of fish stories and need some exciting ideas.  No names will be used just the story.

Keep it short and sweet and to the point.  Post it in the comment section below.  Thanks in advance and let's see them stories.

Capt. Gary

For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: http:www.allcatchcharters.com/ Thank you,
Capt. Gary

New to saltwater fishing? Have Questions?

Are you new to saltwater fishing?  Do you have questions on the right rod and reel set up for you?  Send me all your questions and I will try to answer them all.

1. What type of fishing will you be doing?
2. Land or boat?

For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: htpp://www.allcatchcharters.com Thank you,
Capt. Gary

Your Best Fishing Story.

Give me your best fishing story. Photos welcome.  Leave story in "comments" area.  You may be featured in future article here, on my web site and three other fishing sites.  Article in progress but need more stories.  Give it up!  


For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: 
http://www.allcatchcharters.com/
Thank you,
Capt. Gary

Catching Winter Trout Video

Here is a short video from my last trip with Paul and Paul Jr.  We caught over 30 big trout in Dunedin and Clearwater Fl.  This is Paul Jr.

For more information about chartering a trip with Capt. Gary, please visit: http:www.allcatchcharters.com/ Thank you,
Capt. Gary

February 2011 Fishing Forecast for Clearwater and Dunedin Fl.

February 2011

As we move into February, the water temperatures have been colder than normal in the Clearwater fishing and Dunedin fishing areas.  We have been consistently below 60 degrees.  Cold fronts are ok, but the fish like a warm up to get in their winter mood. 

Start drifting for trout over the numerous grass flats that dot Clearwater Bay and St. Joseph Sound waters.  Stay in about two to four feet of water.  The fish will move up on these flats to catch some sunshine and hopefully a meal at the same time.  Give each grass area a little time and if nothings biting, move on.  Search around the spoil islands throughout the bay.  During the winter months the trout seem to congregate near these islands to stay warm and feed.  Not all of these islands will hold fish, so check as many as you can till you locate the trout.

Most of the time on my winter fishing charters, casting with artificials is the best way to locate the fish.  I will be using a 1/8 or 1/16 oz. jig head with a dark colored plastic tail.  Mister Twister has a few root beer colored plastics I use a lot. Remember to bounce it along the bottom and move it real slow.  The winter trout are not very active and don’t want to move far for their food.  Bring some live shrimp so you can switch over once the fish are found.  Fishing the shrimp on a float set up near the bottom will catch some big trout. 

Looking for redfish may be a time consuming affair.  The fish will be scattered around the back waters and mangroves if you care to search.  Last February I found a school of about 50 to 75 redfish and they hung out in the same area for two months.

We caught quite a few slot size fish free lining live shrimp.  Once you locate a school of redfish, use a stealth approach because they will be very skittish.

Dodging the cold fronts and getting out fishing in February, can be very productive.  It may take a little more searching than normal, but it will pay off when you find the fish.

Again this year, I’m running the special $50 off on winter fishing charter trips.  Call and reserve.

Capt. Gary Burchwww.allcatchcharters.com
727 458-6335

Winter Inshore Flats Fishing

Inshore charter fishing in Clearwater Florida can be the most exciting and relaxing fishing experience you'll ever have. Clearwater flats fishing has been one of the truly enjoyable encounters that vacationers and locals alike, have taken pleasure in for many years.

Clearwater fishing charters includes all of what inshore and flats fishing has to offer. Clearwater Pass is a major water way from the intracoastal waters into the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater Pass sits next to world famous Clearwater Beach, which was voted one of the best beaches in the US.

January’s weather has been somewhat optimistic and unfortunately, more down in the dumps than normal in the Clearwater fishing waters.  Water temperatures were in the middle 50’s most of the month in the Dunedin fishing area.  On occasion, the water temps reached 60 only to go back down with the passing of another cold front. 

Once the fish became acclimated to the cold water, they started biting on everything thrown their way.  Casting artificials and retrieving very slowly along the bottom was the ticket to catching some big 20+ inch gator trout.  Once the fish were found, my clients switched to live shrimp and started catching doubles on every other cast.  This action should continue through March or until the warm spring temperatures push the big trout out.

As January ended, weather and water temperatures had made a great recovery and were near normal for this time of year.  The big trout have moved in and supplying plenty of action.  Now if the redfish would settle down, this will be a fantastic winter fishing season for Dunedin fishing and Clearwater fishing areas.

Capt. Gary Burch
http://www.allcatchcharters.com/

The History of Braded Fishing Line

History of Braided Fishing Line

According to available historic sources, the first braided fishing lines were introduced in England around 1908, replacing the traditional horsehair used for generations.  This line was formed from woven silk and then coated for durability and performance.

As the technology in the textile industry developed, new fibers became available and the manufacturers of fishing lines took advantage of the improved properties these fibers.  In 1938, Dupont introduced a synthetic fiber called nylon and the braided lines produced from this synthetic fiber became a favorite with anglers for the next decade. Nylon was also used to produce monofilament lines during this era, but these early versions were somewhat stiff and difficult to cast.

Then in 1948 Dacron (polyester) fibers developed by Dupont were used to produce improved angler fishing lines.  There are still manufacturers of braided lines that offer products based on these fibers, but their popularity has declined.  Once again Dupont led the field when they introduced nylon monofilaments that were easier to use, most notably Stren in 1959.

Braid made a strong comeback with the development of high performance fibers such as Spectra and Dyneema. The properties of these fibers are ideal for the production of fishing lines as they are 3 times stronger than their predecessors and offer little or no stretch.  In addition, because they are 100% polyethylene, they are smooth and tough and will not absorb water or deteriorate from exposure to UV light. 

Spiderwire was the first nationally advertised brand of superline enjoying great success, particularly during the frenzy from 1994 to 1996.  However, the early versions of Spiderwire, as well as other brands of that time were lacking the performance of today’s superlines.  Improvements to superlines continued over the next several years as the industry developed the technologies to add the properties needed for enhancing the performance of braid as fishing line. The most important among these improvements would be adding body to assist in casting, better color retention, and the improved ability to hold knots.

While much has changed in the fishing line industry over the years, one element remained unchanged.  Personal preference and wide ranging applications demand diversity.  Just walk into your favorite tackle shop and look at the fishing line isle.

Editor’s note: Facts in this article are credited to Dave Burch (no relation),  the President of BBS, the producer of Fins Fishing Line.

Capt. Gary Burchwww.allcatchcharters.com
727 458-6335

Winter fishing in the Tampa Bay fishing area and Clearwater Harbor

Winter fishing in Clearwater and Dunedin

We left the docks around 8:30 am and headed north of St. Joseph Sound in Dunedin.  It was low tide at 9 am and I wanted to check out some deep holes back in the mangrove cuts.  A cold front just passed and Florida’s winter chill was in the air.

At our first location, we started throwing jigs with plastic tails into the cool water and immediately caught trout 18 to 20 inches.  There were lots of lady fish mixed into the action.  Our second spot produced similar results with the addition of a couple blue fish.  Old man winter is here in the Tampa Bay fishing area and there is plenty of action to be had.

This time of year, late December, January and February, the low tides create an excellent opportunity to find fish in the Clearwater fishing area.  Cold fronts will push through every week or two and sometimes even twice a week.  These weather conditions will produce extreme low tides especially around a new or full moon.  The strong northwest and northeast winds push a lot of water out of the bay and expose grassy bottoms and oyster beds in the back waters, canals and mangrove cuts.  The deeper holes adjacent to these high and dry areas may be holding lots of fish.

A few days before our typical cold front arrives, the winds will increase and start blowing from the south and southwest.  As the front gets closer, the temperature will increase, the SW winds will be around 15 to 20 mph and the pressure starts dropping.  Fish will start feeding and catching will pick up during these conditions.

As soon as the front hits, strong winds switch from the west and it usually rains.  As the front passes, the winds turn northwest, barometric pressure increases and the temperature will start dropping. 

The first day after a cold front passes is usually not a good day to fish.  Winds are still blowing 20+ mph out of the northwest, the bay water is awfully dirty and the barometric pressure is very high.  Also, the seasonably cold air will drastically drop the water temperature 10 or so degrees.  This scenario totally shuts down the fishing and their environment.  Wait a day or two, then start fishing again. 

Next area we targeted had residential docks on one side and exposed grass flats on the other.  We idled into the canal as far as we could and drifted out.  Our casting covered a lot of docks.  We did see several snook hanging under the docks but they were not interested.  This is typical when the water temps drop so fast.

Don't let the Florida cold fronts keep you high and dry.  After the front passes, we usually have the best weather in the country.  There is plenty of opportunity to get out and catch fish during the winter months. 

February 2011 fishing forecast for Tampa Bay fishing and Clearwater fishing areas 

I’ve started booking winter charters already so get on board, bring a jacket and let’s go catch some fish.

Capt. Gary Burch
www.allcatchcharters.com

727 458-6335