Route #6: April 1, 2008
Bull Frog Creek to Archie Creek

After missing the last couple of weekends due to weather and other commitments, it felt really good to get back out on the water. Today I was not only joined by my two regular fishing partners, Peter and Ken, but Norm and Terry accompanied me as well. So after getting our vehicles situated, we were off. Seems like the wind has been blowing like crazy the last few outings, so it was a pleasant change to have the lite breezes we had today.

As we paddled out of Bull Frog Creek we were blessed with a gorgeous sunrise.

Heading out of Bull Frog Creek.

With a slow incoming tide all morning, the fishing was very slow. This stretch of coast line offers great opportunities to wade and we all did some at one point or the other, the only bad thing about it were the sting rays. Man, they were every where, thousands of them, big and small. Working a small cove just north of the mouth of Bull Frog Creek, I was the first to connect.

Casting a red head / white body Zara Spook Jr, I connected with this eight spot, 26” redfish.

One of my goals while paddling around Tampa Bay is to catch a redfish on every leg of this trip. I think it would be a real testimony to the state of our fishery here if I’m able to do this.

Just outside of the mouth of the Alafia River are two spoil islands that are designated bird sanctuaries. As we were paddling the flats around these islands I noticed Peter waving Norm and myself over. Peter is an outstanding fisherman and always seems to find where the fish are hanging out. Today was no exception. As I approached, I watched as he hooked up with what would be the largest fish caught yet on this adventure.

Peter “Mako” Polletti with a beautiful 33” redfish.

Norm “Shortcast”. I think the sign says it all.

We took a short break before continuing North.

Once across the Alafia River, the crew decides to stop for lunch and a group photo.

From Left to Right: Terry “TerryW” Wilson, Bill “Heywood” Howard, Peter “Mako” Poletti, Norm “Shortcast” Hall.

On the North side of the mouth of the Alafia River, sits one of the many phosphate plants here in Florida. Once owned by Cargill, now owned by Mosaic, it has had a rocky past when it comes to the health of Tampa Bay. During hurricane Charlie, high winds blew some highly acidic waste water over the top of the gypsum stack containing it and it drained into one of the feeder creeks and ended up in the bay. At the time it was thought that it had done a great deal of damage, but over time the area has healed itself.

Bill “Heywood” Howard paddling by the huge Gypsum Stack.

Ken “KPmiggs” Mignogna checking out the phosphate plant.

Peter showed us just how well the area has improved.

A nice 29” snook.

Close up of Peters Snook.

Terry “TerryW” showing us her kayaking skills.

Well, the Eastern shore or as it is more commonly called, the South Shore of Tampa Bay is done. We did 7.9 miles today, bringing the total to 44.7 miles Paddled Around the Bay. I want to thank everyone who joined me today; it sure made it a more pleasurable paddle.