Redfish, redfish, redfish....it seems they are all over the south shore of Tampa Bay. I have been working the last hour of the outgoing and the first 2 hours of the incoming. The reds are holding just off the first bar of the outside flats and moving in towards the mangroves as the water comes up. Areas that have exposed bars on the extreme low tides are great for this, because the exposed areas will get warmer than the surrounding water and once the water covers them, they hold thier heat and the fish come running. Scented baits like GULP have been producing best, but a well places fly is another quality option. Most of the fish have been slot sized and very spunky.....because of the cooler water.
Snook have been very hit and miss. They are around, I have seen them, but getting them to chew is a different story all together. I had a few strikes this past weekend, but because of the clear water I had to downsize my leader to 15lb. I was fishing docks in a local river and landing the fish was just about impossible with the light leader and the pillings covered in barnacles and oysters.
Trout are on the chew around the potholes on the flats, but since they are out of season I have been trying to target other species. If you do decide to target them, please use a dehooker and wet your hand before touching the trout and removing its protective slime coat.
Hope this helps.....tight lines and good fishing......
Posted
12-10-2008 4:21 PM
by
RobS