Fun Exploration Fishing Trip To Safety Harbor With Otis
- By: Luke Simonds
- on September 4, 2021
In this video, you’ll see a fun fishing report from a trip I had earlier this week with Otis to explore some new waters.
I recorded the trip so that you can see what happened… both the good and the bad.
And as usual, Otis made sure to make the trip into new waters an added adventure.
Safety Harbor Fishing Report
Click here to join the Insider Club
Equipment Used
Here’s a list of the equipment that I was using on this trip:
- Rods:
- Topwater: Prototype Salt Strong Custom Rod from Mudhole
- Paddletails: Prototype Salt Strong Custom Rod from Mudhole
- Reels:
- Topwater: Daiwa BG MQ 2500
- Paddletails: Prototype Salt Strong Reel (my first time using it)
- Mainline: J-Braid 8 Grand – 10 lb test
- Leaders: Ande Mono – 30 lb
- Lures:
- Topwater: Moonwalker
- Subsurface 1: Slam Shady Bomber rigged on a 3/0 Owner TwistLock 1/8th oz
- Subsurface 2: Slam Shady Deizel Minnow (4 inch) rigged on a Trout Eye Jig Head 3/16th oz
- Scent: Dr. Juice Inshore Slam Scent
- Glasses: Smith Optics Guide’s Choice – Green Mirror Glass
Conclusion
This is another example of the fact that using artificial lures can be a big advantage when fishing in new waters since they enable you to cover water more quickly.
It was just 3 hours from launching the boat and getting back to the ramp, so I had to move fast in order to find some fish (#1 most important task).
The strategies shown in the video above are described in detail in the Insider Report from this trip in which you can see exactly what spots were holding the most fish as well as the tidal cycle that is best.
Leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Tight Lines!
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Luke, the city ramp is free. I fish that area often. It’s hard fishing right now. I usually fish around the airport. Otis is a trip. Lol
Thanks for making time to post the helpful comment Coy! I’ll be sure to check out the city ramp next time.
Where can I buy the 4 legged seat on the front of your boat. John Kell member
The one I have is custom and came with the boat when I bought it used. Its sticker wore off years ago, so I’m not sure who made it.
My recommendation would be to get a strong cooler like a yeti to use as a front casting platform because it’ll probably cost less and it’ll serve a 2nd function in keeping drinks/food cold.
Hey Luke, Otis is a great dog and companion. love to see him having a great time with you. keep up the great vids. .
I’m glad to see that you enjoyed this video with Otis!
Love that DOG!
He sure makes every trip more of an adventure
Luke,
Notice you sometimes have your lure hooked through the guide on the rod – always been taught that’s a no-no.
Good video – I always enjoy watching your fishing trips.
John
It’s not ideal to secure lures on the guides, but I do it frequently when fishing with Otis so that the hooks are away from him (the reel level is right where he bumps the rods in rod holders when walking around the boat).
I’ve done this for many years now and the rods have gone through a lot of abuse from a 90+ lb dog running around the boat, and so far there have been zero issues with the guides getting compromised.
Late to the Otis party, but enjoyed it anyway.
Looking forward to your new custom rig.
I’m so glad to see that you enjoyed the video!
Put a GoPro on Otis!!!
That would be funny!
Great video Luke! Only having a 2 week Flounder season here in NC, everyday is precious. So having to cancel a trip with my wife and our friends, because I’m a bit under the weather, really hurts. But by watching your video, I was able to fish vicariously! I felt every magical tug of the snook, sitting in my recliner, and Otis gave me a nice chuckle! Thank you.
Sorry to see that you’ve having to cancel one of your trips! Glad to see that this video helped ease the pain of not being able to get out on the water. Hope you feel back to 100% soon!
Otis is looking good, nice to see him in action again!
Thanks for making time to post the nice comment Rick!
Fishing from Land at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon this morning at sunrise. 3 Mango snappers, Out of slot Redfish, nice trout. Was wading at second bridge, left hand side going to beach. Threw the Moonwalker before the sun came up and had some chase it, but did not take it. Lots of fun!
Sounds like it was a fun trip! When I get follows on topwater that won’t strike, that’s when the slam shady bomber will play cleanup hitter as it sure turns the follows into strikes since it’s about the same size but runs under the surface enough to make it easier to eat.