Merry Christmas
Tampa Bay shined on inshore fishing charters the week prior to Christmas. Clients from cool and much colder climates were treated with sunny days with temperatures in the low 80's!
Gator Trout to 27.5" was last weeks highlight. These large trout have been hammering live greenbacks in less than 2' of water. We also landed a 25, 25.5 and 26.5" and lost several other gators. With early morning negative tides we could not even get in to fish for the Gator trout until late morning as the flats were bare of water. Unlike most trout Gator Trout will not be in big schools but primarily loners.
Grass flats 3-5' are holding tons of small sea trout. Drifting and casting DOA CAL jigs on 1/8 and ¼ oz jig heads is a winning combination. I also love casting the DOA deadly combo, be sure to allow the shrimp to drop to the bottom before popping the float. Almost all hits will come as the shrimp falls. Greenbacks or shrimp fly lined or under a cork are also options.
Greenbacks have been plentiful unlike last year. One or 2 tosses and the live well is loaded. These baits are like candy to snook and redfish in our local rivers. Chumming can fire up the action so the extra bait comes in handy and can make your day. Using a plastic baseball bat toss chum baits up current and watch then watch for snook to blow up on the freebies. Immediately cast into that area and hang on.
Redfish are also plentiful in the rivers just add a small weight to get your greenback or shrimp to the bottom. Periods of moving water is key and keep a keen eye for areas with deep undercuts.
Captain Steven Markovich
