I will be in Indian Shores by Tampa area. I am wanting to know if there are any good shark friendly bait and supply shops in the area. I have about a month and a half until I can go for the big one! Will be coming from Ohio so any pointers always welcomed.
Hey I'm also from Ohio, and fish the same area! Rick's Rods will have a lot of what you need. They have 11/0 up to 14/0 j and tuna hooks. They heaviest wire they have though (last time I was there) was only #15. They have a good supply of frozen bait, including large bonita. They will be closest to you. The better bet for tackle would be Dogfish Tackle, or Indian Rocks Tackle, which specializes in billfish and big-game gear. I usually stock up on wire and wind-ons at dogfish, on my way in from 275, and then during the trip just buy bait and stuff as I need it from Rick's. Oh, and by the way, if you need it, Indian Rocks Tackle has a rigging station with a crimper if you buy from them. Good luck!
Good deal! I have already bought most of my tackle, but just in case I need to pick up some extra stuff. Do you do pretty well off the beach?
Generally we do pretty good off the beaches. Some beaches are better than others though. Look for fast dropoffs and any slight indents or points along the shoreline that might cause a variation in current, as minute little changes like that will make one spot produce over another. For example, the stretch of Redington beach in that area is generally not a great spot, as it has a very gradual slope and a relatively featureless, straight shoreline. Whereas if you look on a map, further north at Indian Rocks, the beach curves out a little more, and the water drops off much faster, and we generally do pretty well along that stretch. The beauty of that area of Tampa is the variation in fishing locations; don't just limit yourself to the familiar, typical beaches. Try the mouth of John's Pass, the jetty at Passe-a-Grille, or head further south and fish off the bridge at Bunces Pass for big bulls (they should be well established inshore by the time you head down), or down to the Gulf Pier at Ft. Desoto for a TB hammerhead.
Thanks for the advice. I fished Johns Pass two years ago but didnt have big enough tackle then to land any of the ones I hooked. This summer will be better though lol. Not too many big fish in Cincinnati other than cats and carp Im ready for the big one!