Fishing the flats the trout have been piled up in the deeper pot holes in 2-3 foot depth range. We've been catching the gator trout on D.O.A. CAL bait with rootbeer and chartruse swim tails, with a 1/8 oz. jig heads. They are also hitting on a D.O.A. shrimp baits either natural or rootbeer in color, we have been getting good results. We have been using the zoom jerk baits greenbacks with the white bellys, with a number 1 or 2 worm hook, owners brand are the best. The fish are feeding on the bottom so you need to get the baits down to them and also work the baits slowly so that the fish can catch up to the bait in the cooler waters. Free lining live shrimp either on the bottom or under a popping cork, the popping cork will get the fish's attention. When the fish get close enough to see the bait. The fish will definatly attack it. Using a number 1 or 2 circle hook on live bait. This way you can hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, making for easy release with a dehooker, for the fish you are not going to keep. Because the fish have a very soft mouth, you will need to keep the line tight with steady pressure with out horsing them to the boat. If you are looking to go fishing we are having a winter time special $50.00 off on inshore fishing charters, with the mentions of this report. So call to set up your trip 727-809-3474 or e-mail me at capttompost@verizon.net

Fish Species: Sea Trout
Bait Used: artificial
Tackle Used: spinning
Method Used: jigging
Water Depth: 1-6 foot
Water Temperature: 58-63
Wind Direction: east
Wind Speed: 5-10





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About The Author: Captain Tom Post

Company: Florida Fishing Guide

Area Reporting: Nature Coast of Florida to Boca Grande Pass

Bio: Born and raised in Saint Petersburg Florida, he's fished these waters all of his life. That's over forty years on the gulf, in it's tributaries and it's estuaries. From the back country estuaries of Tarpon Springs and Anclote Island, south past Clearwater Beach, and Tampa Bay; clear down to Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande pass, he focuses on catching fish that unforgettable, lifetime, memories are made of. Pick the season right and catch giant tarpon, inshore slams of large snook, big bull redfish and seatrout after seatrout. When the water's right, he pursues large gulf grouper by hunting the nearshore rockpiles and reefs of the lower naturecoast. This specialty is only practiced successfully by native Florida Fishing Guides who truly understand the ebb and pulse of the gulf. Capt. Tom will be celebrating a decade on the water as a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain in 2007. His '06-'07 season is already booking up for the celebration; please don't hesitate in contacting us to reserve up-coming high season dates. Check out the photos page. Then go to the species pages; pick the fish and the right time of year to pursue them. It' makes "catching not just fishing," simple and easy. Then just put in a request for a reservation. "See," simple right? If you have questions get in touch.

727-809-FISH
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Tom Post