Tarpon

August 15, 2016
Published by Capt. Matt Santiago on August 15, 2016
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The Inshore Grand Slam

Although variations of this fishing challenge exist throughout the world and our state, The Tampa Bay Grand Slam consists of catching a Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, and Trout all in the same day.  It has been one of my favorite challenges for myself and my clients throughout the years and May is quite possibly the best month of the year to get yours.  
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August 15, 2016
Published by Capt. Matt Santiago on August 15, 2016
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A Bridge To Success

Bridges are some of the best fish habitats worldwide.   Like an oil rig attracts fish offshore, similarly bridges attract everything from baitfish and crustaceans to apex predators.  Tampa Bay is home to four of Florida’s largest bridges including the state’s second largest, the Sunshine Skyway.  Along with the 4 major bridges that span Tampa Bay are numerous smaller bridges that connect residential areas.  Bridges are favorite hangout spots for fish for a multitude of reasons. 
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August 15, 2016
Published by Capt. Matt Santiago on August 15, 2016
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Tarpon Tune Up Tampa Bay

April will mark the beginning of our tarpon season.  Consistent reports of poon sightings and hookups start to spread quickly, and everyone starts to feel symptoms of tarpon fever.   You know tarpon fever is spreading when tackle shops start to run out of heavier Fluorocarbon leader, bigger circle hooks are disappearing of the racks, and guys are flooding in one after another with big dusty spinning reels to get them reloaded with heavier braid. 
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March 22, 2012
Published by Capt. Matt Santiago on March 22, 2012
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Everything Is On Fire!!!

It’s one of my favorite times of the year again and the fishing gods must be in a good mood because they sent us some great fishing targets ahead of schedule.   Tarpon, Kingfish, and Cobia are three of my favorite fish to catch and all three have already started to show up much earlier than expected.  Thanks to the warm weather and influx of bait, these three pelagics are definitely moving in to our area’s beaches and bays.
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February 14, 2012
Published by Capt. Matt Santiago on February 14, 2012
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Cold Front Fishing!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Fishing around the cold fronts is the key to making a great day!  The fishing out of the Gandy area has been on fire!  Trout in the 17-24 inch class  and multiple slot redfish being released as well as those over 27 inches.  The smaller redfish are also easy pickings with a 1/8th oz jig and a piece of shrimp slowly moved along the channel edges and drop offs! The Snook bite has been on fire with whitebait readily available to the hard working individual!
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May 12, 2011
Published by Capt. Matt Santiago on May 12, 2011
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Chicago Boys Tangle with Tarpon!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last weekend I had the Chicago crew down again for their annual guys fishing trip.  This year the group added another “Mike” to make 3 and 2 days to their trip.  They showed up ready to fish, unfortunately Mother Nature threw a wrench in our plan blowing winds 20-30 Knots on the first two days.  So instead of trying to get on some Tarpon from the start, we spent the first two days ducking in and out of rivers and estuaries catching everything from Trout, Ladyfish and Jack Crevalle to Snook and Redfish.
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April 29, 2011
Published by Capt. Matt Santiago on April 29, 2011
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Tarpon fishing is getting HOT!

The Love Bugs are here!!!  Now don’t go thinking I actually like these horny little paint killers.  Actually, there are few things I dislike more than having to wash them of my car every few days, but they are good for one thing.  Every year Love Bugs are a sure sign that Tarpon and Cobia are here.  Now we have been catching a few Cobia and some nice Tarpon, but the big numbers had not shown up yet.
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April 18, 2011
Published by Capt. Matt Santiago on April 18, 2011
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Redfish for All!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We spent Sunday afternoon fishing the Anclote area with Captain Jeff and some friends.  Capt. Jeff got out early and battled through windy, rough conditions to get enough bait for the day.  We hopped aboard the boat and idled out of the river.  We had Cobia on our minds but with the wind up and a moderate chop on the water, it made it hard to spot cruising fish.  We ran back into the river in search of Redfish and calmer water. 
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April 17, 2011
Published by Capt. Matt Santiago on April 17, 2011
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Tarpon Time in Tampa Bay!!!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tarpon, TARPON, TARPON!!!! Tarpon have been on my mind ever since the big schools left last year.  Well, Tarpon Time is here again!  Last week we strung together consecutive days of 5 or more Tarpon ranging from 60-120 lbs.  The bait is right where it should be and the Tarpon are ready to eat.  We have been hooking them around the bridges and seeing them on the beaches and passes as well. This is just the beginning and it is only going to get better over the next few months.
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