CAPT. THOM SMITH
FLATS LADY CHARTERS
Raised in St. Petersburg, FL, I have "Fished"
the area from No. St. Petersburg to Port Charlotte for many
years. I have also "Fished" 10 Thousand Islands,
and I am familiar with that area. My "Specialty",
however, is from The Sunshine Skyway in Tampa Bay, south
to Sarasota Bay. I prefer to fish with "light tackle",
as I find by using this tackle, you get the most out of
every bite. I am mostly a "live bait" Guide, but
will, and do, use "Artificials" also.
The areas I Fish are "Back Country",
or around Mangroves. I fish the many islands in Terra Ceia,
Miguel, and Joe's Bays, as well as Tampa Bay on down the
ICW to Sarasota Bay. I also find fishing Port Manatee and
The Skyway Bridge great places to fish. The areas I fish
not only are productive for catching fish, but enjoying
the sights of Beautiful Florida Birds and other animals
you don't get to see everyday. The scenery alone is very
enjoyable and relaxing.
Capt. Thom's 17 ft. Mako, the "Flats
Lady", is powered by a 115 hp Yamaha outboard. It is
a stable, safe boat, providing a smooth, dry ride. The northern
part of the area is pristine "Back Country", dotted
with small bays, oyster bars and Mangrove shorelines that
have very little development, where you can "Bird Watch"
while you fish for Snook, Trout and Redfish.
Move into Tampa Bay and fish for Mackerel,
Cobia (on the markers), or check out the "Artificial
Reefs", near the Skyway Pier for Grouper, Mangrove
Snapper or Sheepshead. Moving further south, the area is
more developed, but fishing is still excellent for a wide
variety of species.
Throughout this area, the ICW with rock ledges,
bridges, docks, grass flats and oyster bars all provide
excellent spots to catch fish. During the Tarpon season,
from approximately May throughout the summer, the "Passes"
into the Gulf of Mexico provide easy access to silver kings.
The "Inshore" Gulf of Mexico from Egmont Key,
south along the beach has natural "Rock Reefs"
and a few "Artificial Reefs" that are loaded with
Mackerel, Bonita, Mangrove Snapper and, at certain times,
Cobia in the clear waters.
Capt. Thom has been a "Licensed Guide"
for approximately 14 years, but has been fishing the area
for over 35 years. He has fished from the St. Petersburg
area, south to 10 Thousand Islands. As the "Flats Lady"
is on a trailer, he can actually "Fish" any area
you desire.
OWNER/OPERATOR: ANGLER'S REPAIR
Complete Rod & Reel Repair & Custom Rod Building
This is the only Shop of its kind, in this
area, specializing in Rod & Reel Repair done "on
site". Custom Rods are also made by Angler's Repair.
Many times, after a Charter, my boat is parked at the Shop,
which is also good advertising, for BOTH businesses.
