Outdoors Show Comes to Tampa

SALTWATER SCENE

Capt. Bill Miller, host of the TV Show “Hooked on Fishing,” reported that bait is plentiful on the flats and big schools of redfish have moved in all along the coast.

“Trout fishing is very good and it seems like more snook and bigger snook have reappeared,” Miller said.

Snook season is closed until, possibly, Sept. of 2012.

Gag grouper season opened Sept. 16 and, along with red grouper, are available to keep.

But the best tips will be at the Florida Sportsman Fishing and Boating Show Saturday and Sunday at The Florida State Fairgrounds. Fishing professionals from all over the state will host free seminars.

Admission is $8.

“Capt. Billy Miller and I will be there giving seminars both days,” Miller said. “We will be at the Brighthouse Sports Network booth along with "The Average Angler,” Glen Pla. The BHSN booth is an interactive experience with fun games and give aways for the entire family.”

For more information on the show visit http://www.floridasportsman.com/shows/

SOMETHING TO TRY

Spanish mackerel are everywhere and can be caught trolling spoons or with bait, Miller said. Also, mangrove snapper are in full spawning mode and can be caught around bridges such as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and rock piles, seawalls and structure all over Tampa Bay.

TIP

The Florida Antique Tackle Collectors Club is having a show Oct 7-9 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel East in Tampa.

“If you are interested in old and antique fishing tackle you will want to attend this show,” Miller said.

On Saturday, a paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking instructional and safety course will be held at the Gandy Boat Ramp from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 pm. It is being put on by United States Coast Guard Auxillary Flotilla 79.