Lost Coast Anglers

Tampa Fly Fishing for Tarpon

2011-06-07T23:22:00.007-04:00

We're in the midst of another great Tarpon season here in Tampa. The weather has been cooperating lately with an easterly flow pattern that has allowed us to get out on the beaches. We are getting lots of shots throughout the day during good tidal movement and seeing large groups of fish with the occasional single and pair. I like fishing to these singles and smaller groups as the larger groups seem to be too preoccupied with their spawning rituals to want anything to do with a fly, although they can be convinced.

Night fishing should start to improve in July/Aug with more Snook showing up on the lights after they move out of the passes. At the moment there are good number of Snook along the beaches and passes as June/Aug is their peak spawning season. We haven't been targeting them as Tarpon has been top priority lately. If you need your next Tarpon on the fly fix or you just wanting to see what it's all about give me a call and I'll get you on some fish.

Capt Brian Jill

Lost Coast Angers
727-631-5578
www.lostcoastanglers.com

3-16-11

2011-03-16T12:19:00.010-04:00

While the rest of the country seems to be stuck in a cold spell we have been soaking up the warmth down here in Tampa. After a great winter for Redfish, I’m ready to change gears and start fly fishing for some of the other species that we have here in Tampa Bay. The weather has been great with little to no wind and daytime highs getting into the high 70’s.

The season seems to be shaping up to be an early spring and with that the fish are starting to wake up. For the past couple of weeks we have gotten shots on Snook cruising the mangrove shorelines, the Redfish are still around with some larger fish in the 8-10lb class cruising around the grass flats, large speckled trout and Mackerel are in the mix as well.

Tarpon are soon to follow with the water temps getting close to their preferred range. These early season fish are in the 60-150lb range and are eager to eat a well presented fly.

I’m currently taking reservations for Tarpon season. Drop me a line or an email with your requested dates and I’ll get back with you shortly.

Capt Brian

727-631-5578

www.lostcoastanglers.com

Keep on Rollin

2010-06-28T12:20:00.008-04:00

Tarpon fishing has been nothing short of spectacular so far this season and the fish keep rolling in. Every trip this month we have managed to hook at least one fish with an exceptional day jumping four. Fly fishing for Tarpon in the Tampa Bay area offers some of the most intense sight fishing around, with miles of bright sandy beaches and clear waters to target this prehistoric game fish.

Starting at daybreak we usually head out in search of laid up fish floating just under the water surface almost motionless, once the sun gets high enough we hit the beaches looking for cruising packs of Tarpon. They are typically easy to spot by either rolling in the water surface or contrasted against a bright bottom cruising in the shallow water. Sometimes the Tarpon can been seen blasting through schools of bait and free jumping throughout the day. Definitely a sight to see!!!

The oil spill has not affected our area waters and remains far from Tampa. Our waters are clean and Oil free!!!

Book your next Tarpon Fly Fishing adventure with Captain Brian Jill of the Lost Coast Anglers.
Lost Coast Angers, LLC.
727-631-5578
www.lostcoastanglers.com

Brian Reed with a Tampa Bay Tarpon on Fly!

2010-06-25T17:41:00.000-04:00

Trout Media - Tarpon from Brian Reed on Vimeo.

Oceanside madness!

2010-05-21T17:35:00.006-04:00

The time has come yet again, when the great schools of migratory Tarpon arrive to our beaches and offer us a chance to hook into one of the mightiest saltwater fish of all, the Silver King. I've been finding fish with relative consistency along the beaches lately. Most of the fish are too preoccupied with spawning and barely even glance at my offerings however there is always those random suicide fish that are looking for an easy offering. These are the fish that don't think twice about eating your fly, they usually make for some incredible in your face eats and instantly jump to the sky. Flies that have been working well for me are the typical toad patterns and EP style flies. Dark colors have been working early dawn while the lighter shades are the ticket when the sun gets up a little in the sky. Weekdays are always the best time to get out but despite the crowds on the weekends we still have managed to get some fish. Give me a call if you want your shot at the Silver King on Fly.

Capt. Brian Jill
www.lostcoastanglers.com
captbrian@lostcoastanglers.com

Fly Fishing in Tampa Bay is heating up!

2010-04-24T19:24:00.002-04:00

It's feeling more and more like summer everyday in the Tampa Bay area. With water temps in the mid to upper 70's in Tampa Bay the Fly Fishing has been fantastic. Snook are beginning to make their appearance and are hungry! Night time dock light fly fishing has been a sure way to catch a few line siders, while searching the clear water flats near structure, holes, and drop offs is another great way to locate them during the day. Flies that work well during the day are olive/white, chartreuse/white, yellow/white baitfish patterns and clousers for deeper water. Under the lights any small white, flashy fly should get the job done. Reds are spread out on the flat this time of the year and can also be found around lighted docks at night. They will eat a size 4-6, dark brown/black toad style crab, bendback, or a clouser on the flats. The Tarpon are beginning to show at some select locations. These are all resident fish that are just becoming active and feeding. The big schools of migratory fish will begin to show in our waters this May through the summer. I have all the necessary Tarpon equipment needed for fly fishing as well as all the best flies. I specialize in shallow water sight fishing with the fly rod but will take out light tackle artificial charters as well.

Book your next fly fishing adventure with Capt Brian Jill and the Lost Coast Anglers and fly fish in the shallow waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico for Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Trout, and more!!!

Capt Brian Jill
www.lostcoastanglers.com

Finally thawing out!

2010-04-04T12:46:00.010-04:00

With water temps in Tampa Bay hovering in the upper 60s to low 70s the fish are finally starting to thaw out and the fly fishing is improving. The weather is beginning to look more like spring each day with the wind and water settling down. Big black Drum are back and invading Tampa Bay, getting them on the fly is a blast! Bright color crab patterns have been the ticket for these beasts. These fish average 40-50 lbs and will easily give a 20 minute fight. The trout bite is improving over grass flats and some larger fish have been spotted around spoil islands and around sandy pot holes. Reds are still around and can be found in groups patrolling the shorelines and oyster bars. An accurately places fly will usually get their attention. Small baitfish flies and dark crab patterns have been working well. Mackerel are being caught on fly as well and this should pick up as the water gets a bit warmer. The Snook should start to show soon around grass flats adjacent to creek mouths, along shorelines, and at night around docks looking for a bite.

Tampa Bay Tarpon season is right around the corner. Reserve your trip now with Capt. Brian for May-August for some prime time Tarpon action on the fly!!!

Capt. Brian Jill

www.lostcoastanglers.com

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Tampa!!! 3/8/10

2010-02-24T16:37:00.010-05:00

The Fly Fishing Film Tour will be at the Tampa Pitcher Show on March 8th with a killer line up of films and of coarse, lots of great giveaways. To buy tickets and get more info visit: http://www.flyfishingfilmtour.com/Schedule/
or Call the Tampa Angler (813)374-2497

The Walker’s Cay Chronicles

2010-02-07T21:49:00.006-05:00

For a heavy dosage of some fly fishing nostalgia, visit Hells Bay Boatworks online and check out some of your favorite episodes of The Walker's Cay Chronicles.

http://www.hellsbayboatworks.com/hb_media_video_wcc.php

High Rollers - Fly Fishing For Giant Tarpon

2010-02-02T17:17:00.001-05:00

Synopsis

"This book will be invaluable to novice or experienced tarpon fly fishermen. Bill Bishop has addressed the mental, physical, humorous, and technical aspects of fishing for tarpon, writing in such a way that is both entertaining and instructive. I really like his style."—Lefty Kreh Artist and ardent angler Bill Bishop tackles all aspects of tarpon fishing—from building leaders to bringing them in quickly. Each chapter explores the core aspects of tarpon fishing in detail, including step-by-step instructions for tying IGFA leaders, the nuances of finding, casting to, hooking, and fighting giant tarpon, and insights and tips for running the boat, seeing fish, and reading the fish's behavior. In addition to the technical aspects, Bishop's stories and humor take a look at the personal side of fishing, reminding us that despite the sometimes-serious undertaking of battling a 150-pound tarpon, fishing is still supposed to be fun. With over 120 detailed pen-and-ink illustrations and photos by Mark Hatter, this book will help anyone who wants to hook, and land, more silver kings.

Biography

Bill Bishop is on the water over 150 days a year, fishing the waters of Boca Grande and Homosassa. His illustrations and artwork have appeared in several fly-fishing books and magazines. He lives in Orlando and Boca Grande, Florida.

LOOP Carbon Fiber Push Pole

2010-02-01T19:32:00.000-05:00

In today's world of shallow water skiffs there is an arsenal of necessary fishing equipment typically found onboard, with one of the most important being a push pole. Without this critical item one would find themselves at an incredible disadvantage on the flats and at the mercy of the tide and wind. Trolling motors, although useful in some situations, are typically too noisy, spook fish, and can't operate in water as shallow as fish can go. Poling offers skiff based anglers the stealth needed to sneak up on wary fish and the ability to hold in places that fish travel through. Push poles come in an endless variety of sizes, materials, and lengths with the most critical features being weight and flex.

Recently, I got the opportunity to demo the new push pole from Loop tackle. Although new to the push pole game, Loop has designed one of the lightest and strongest push poles on the market. Through rigorous product development and testing Loop has produced an incredible fishing tool made from high quality carbon fiber that is feather light yet rigid enough to hold a larger skiff into the wind and current. This push pole is sectional and built to very tight specifications. It incorporates a ridged scrim surface that provides an unparalleled grip, even when wet! The joints are bonded using a proprietary process that guarantees a strong, sealed joint. The ferrules that connect the five-foot sections are made from graphite which makes for a lightweight connection that flexes evenly with the rest of the pole.

While many people are opposed to multi-piece push poles because of weak connections and water intrusion issues I have not had any of these problems arise after heavy use for 5 months. The Loop pole weighs 3.2 ounces per foot, with a 21' pole weighing roughly 4 lbs! The unique L foot pushes very well in marl and soft muddy bottom, which unplugs much better than the typical paddle versions out there. Both the foot and point are made from solid nylon plastic, a durable product that holds up to razor sharp oysters and coral.

Loop is an innovator of cutting edge fly fishing equipment and this new push pole is a great compliment to their current product line. This product can be found on the Carbon Marine web store at www.carbonmarine.com. The founder of Carbon Marine, Joe Welbourn, is currently distributing this product for Loop and will gladly help out with assembly, instruction, and delivery. Do yourself a favor and pick up one of these bad boys, your arms will thank you for it.

Winter Redfish

2009-12-10T23:11:00.000-05:00

The chilly winds of December brings with it schools of hungry Redfish and large negative low tides during the middle of the day. Redfish can be found on most of the flats of Tampa Bay this time of year in larger groups either pushing big head wakes or (if your lucky to time it right) pointing their tails to the sky.

Some of our recent trips out we have hooked multiple Reds on fly, fish some of which were in the double digits. We have been getting most of our fish on toad style crab patterns tied in dark colors. All of our fish are sighted, either as cruising fish or tailing which both make for an exciting, in your face, fishing experience. Our Redfish season will be great all through the winter time and although it can get a bit chilly around our area this time of year there are still plenty of perfect sunny days to be had! Book your next Redfish trip with Capt Brian Jill.

Capt Nick Angelo with a nice Tampa Bay Redfish

Greg Peterson with another nice Red caught on a Black Crab fly

Fall is Hot!!!

2009-10-10T16:47:00.000-04:00

Fly Fishing has been hot with the temperatures starting to drop slightly in the evenings. On the Gulf Coast we're just getting into the fall transitional stage where big Redfish, Snook, Trout, and Cobia can all be found searching for a meal on the Tampa Bay flats. The Bonita and Mackerel action has been off the hook!

With reported catches of 10-15 fish on fly per trip. This type of fishing involves finding birds diving on bait balls that are getting annihilated by Bonita and getting your fly in the maylay. It's an almost guaranteed hook up. Cobia can often be found riding on the backs of big Rays or Sharks.

These Cobia were lured off a 7ft Bull Shark near Egmont in Tampa Bay.

Night time dock light fishing has been very good too with Snook, Bull Reds, and Trout all cooperating and eager to hit a fly. This time of year offers incredible fishing opportunities with very good tides. These mega low tides in the fall/winter are perfect sight fishing Redfish in Tampa Bay. These fish are typically found in shin deep crystal clear water. Some of the best flies for these fish are buggy looking crab and shrimp patterns. Sight fishing doesn't get better than this! Book your next trip in the Tampa area with Capt. Brian Jill. www.lostcoastanglers.com

Tailing Reds

2009-09-14T21:50:00.000-04:00

With the fall season upon us we are starting to see more Redfish grouped up on the flats, in shallow water searching for food. It's not uncommon to see fish tailing especially in the am around the low tides. St. Joseph sound and upper Tampa Bay offer great fly fishing opportunities for these Reds. If you haven't caught one yet don't worry our season is only going to get better as the water cools down and the Reds group up. My flies of choice for the Tampa Bay area are a black or brown toad, craft fur shrimp, clouser, and other crab style flies. When the sun is high these fish can be very spooky and require using longer leaders. I especially like casting to tailing fish, these fish are usually so preoccupied with feeding that you can almost push the boat on top of them without spooking. These Reds can be tough to catch however, if the grass is tall that they are feeding in you often have to smack the fly down over the top of them to get their attention and then it's usually game on.

Visit Lost Coast Anglers to book your next fly fishing charter with Captain Brian Jill.

Tampa Bay Tarpon Fly Fishing Report

2009-08-03T19:10:00.000-04:00

Our weather has finally gotten into a pattern that we are used to seeing this time of year with light easterly winds in the am turning to west in the afternoon. This season the weather has made it tough to get out to the beaches where we do most of our sight fishing for Tarpon. There still are good numbers of Tarpon in the area and finding the right day to get out has been key to a successful day on the water. When the weather has been good we have been getting lots of shots on singles and doubles, along with some groups of fish moving through. Most of our fish have been caught on Toad patterns in green/chartruese, tan/brown, black/purple color combinations, although other traditional patterns have been working as well. Although we are nearing the end of prime time Tarpon season, this month can still be very productive. If you would like to book a Tarpon trip you can contact me at 727-631-5578 or send me an email captbrian@lostcoastanglers.com

Stay tuned for more Tampa Bay Fly Fishing Reports from Captain Brian Jill
www.lostcoastanglers.com