Local guides report strong fishing along the Pasco coast this week. Capt. Cody Albright, reachable at (727) 992-3918, found king mackerel and schooling Spanish mackerel spread from as close as 500 yards off the beach at Honeymoon Island out to 9 miles offshore. Chumming and fishing big live baits are producing kings between 12 and 20 pounds. Small baits are bringing in all the Spanish mackerel anglers want.
Inshore, Albright has put clients on redfish along the Pasco shoreline, with schools of 30 to 60 fish not unusual. The reds are holding in deeper water against mangrove lines. Trout to 22 inches have been landed in the same spots. Snook have been in backwaters such as those around the Energy Management Center in Port Richey and in the rivers. Live sardines have taken them, including one 36-inch fish. Albright also reports many bull sharks in the shallows north of the Cotee River, mostly 4 to 6 feet long. He thinks they are feeding on the redfish schools.
Capt. Josh Fritz, reachable at (352) 345-9304, says inshore fishing has been strong over the past week on half-day trips. Large numbers of reds and trout have been landed. Trout are holding on hard bottom with rock and patches of grass, and some are very nice size. White DOA jerk baits or a popping cork with a white soft plastic below it have worked well. Reds are schooling over the bars and rocky island shorelines, often working behind mullet. Live pinfish or sardines are getting them. Offshore, mangrove snapper are biting well on rocks and hard-bottom breaks in 24 feet of water. Anglers can work out to 40 feet for keeper-sized hogfish.
Capt. Matt Cowden, reachable at (727) 534-6603, says it is fall redfish time and will be his go-to fish until it turns cold. Big winter trout will take over when the water cools.
Originally reported by Tampa Bay Beacons – Pasco
