Captain Jim Lemke

Captain Jim offers flats and backbay fishing in and around the waters of Tampa Bay, Florida. Fish for Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Trout, Tripletail, Cobia, and Shark. The Tarpon run strong in Tampa Bay through the first part of June to the first part of September. He is experienced in many different angling methods, including flyfishing, plug, and spin, and uses live bait, plugs, or artificials as required.

Captain Jim Lemke has over 15 years fishing experience in the waters of Tampa Bay and World Famous Boca Grande (during Tarpon season) and is a member of the Florida Conservation Association (FCA). He is very experienced in backbay fishing, particularly Tarpon and Snook. He has several techniques for fishing for big Tarpon. He uses his knowledge of flats to determine the best technique for the situation. Amazed that more people are not aware of the unique Tarpon opportunities in Tampa Bay, Capt. Jim says:

"My favorite way to fish Tarpon at night is to use a custom bridge gaff that goes up into the water drain holes in the bridge itself. Then you watch the Tarpon swim down the light line, and pitch the bait to them. When they hit your bait, you only have out 5 to 7 feet of line. The average Tarpon at the bridge is about 85 to 100 pounds, but I've caught them in the 140 to 150 pound class, too. The biggest one I put up in the air last year was about 180 pounds, so there are some big boys in Tampa Bay. You see an average of 75 fish at night, although I've seen as many as 200 or 300 fish in one night! If you'll once try night fishing in Tampa Bay, you're hooked!"

For daytime fishing, Capt. Jim says the best time to go is early morning or late afternoon. Imagine the thrill of chasing 75 to 100 rolling Tarpon on the flats, at 85 to 100 pounds each, with the trolling motor! Now that will get the ol' heart pumping!

Young anglers are welcome (minimum age 7), and Captain Jim is happy to catch and release at the anglers' request.

To book your charter,

Captain Jim Lemke
11408 Waveland Way Tampa, Florida 33624
Email Capt. Jim Lemke
Phone: 813-968-4285
Phone: 813-917-4989

captainjim555@aol.com

You can check out his web site at www.lighttackleadventures.com.