Redfish
The redfish in this area haven't started with their typical spring pattern yet. Some days we are finding them in less than a foot and on others we find them in 2 to 3 feet. The only thing that is predictable is that they are always near bait. They also haven't been very reliable as to what they will eat from day to day with spinning. Some mornings they will chase a top water plug to the boat and on others they spook off it. On the days we have our best luck with top water we have caught more fish on the Green Back 4.25 High Roller.
On the days the reds have been a little spooky with the top water we have had our best luck with the Gold Rootbeer PT Spoon. The key to fishing this lure has been a good leading cast letting the fish find it rather that it finding them.
They a slow retrieve.
Keep in mind when your fishing for these big reds you are fishing for some much older fish than most people are use to. We have some fish pushing 30 to 35 years old. There isn't much you can throw at them they haven't seen. The key is to let them find the lure on most days. This is also a fish that has been chased around
with trolling motors bumped by people that don't know how to stalk a fish and hit in the head by every lure on the market. Let them find the lure! Now when it comes to this fish not eating the same thing from day to day, fly has been a different story. These fish have consistently been willing to eat a Honey Shrimp. I believe the reason this has been going on has been the lack of bait we have had so far this year on the flats. That has been starting to change this week but it should be a few more weeks until we start to see the big schools we get in the spring.
Trout
The trout fishing still isn't going nuts but it isn't to far away now. We are boating a few big girls each trip but all I can think of is how it is going to be in a few more weeks. By mid March we should be starting to boat 10 to 20 gator trout a day. The best part is it is all on top water.
Our best catches have been on the Green Back and Florida Special 4.25 high Roller on calm days and the 4.25 Rip Roller on windier days. Most of our fish have been between 5 and 8 lbs. All have been in or near schools of bigger mullet in less than a foot of water. These fish have been extremely spooky so it has all been about the long cast and a low profile. I also tell all my clients to dress in neutral colors. I know that that hot pink Bonehead shirt is comfortable but if you want big trout you'll leave it at home.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com
To book a trip with Capt Doug Go To www.SightFishing.com or call 321-432-9470
