Pat Horrigan

You can catch the Reds on the flats in the afternoon while they are sunning and feeding on a cold day. This is just after the cold fronts that gave us 18 to 20 degree lows at night. Last night we got down to 39 degees. Today it warmed up nice and the sun was on the flats for the incomming tide. Perfect! The reds came out of the creeks and onto the flats to feed and warm up. Crab patterns were the fly of choice and slow was the order of the day. Very slow! The reds will surprise you when they take when the water is this cold. They come to life all be it short lived. There was about 2 hours of good fishing and it then slowed as the sun began to go down. Was it worth it? You bet. It always is. At Tropic Bay Guides we always are working to put you on fish. I have noticed that if you are there before the fish come out of the creeks and make slow passing shots, you will hook up. The water is very clear and the high tides are still pretty low so the flats don't have a lot of water on them. This is good in the since that the flats heat up much faster however the fish are spooky and can really see well on a calm day. The right clothing is important under these conditions. I wear kaki guide clothing and instruct my clients to do the same. Bright colored shirts with the sun on them really show up well for the fish to see. They know that is not natural and avoid your area. A quiet boot on the pole is a must. Take a long, long time to make any adjustments to your position. Try it and good luck.

Capt. Pat

Tropic Bay Guides

Fish Species: Redfish
Bait Used: Crab pattern
Tackle Used: Sage 8 wt. fly rod
Method Used: Fly Fishing
Water Depth: 2 feet
Water Temperature: 58
Wind Direction: NW
Wind Speed: 8





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Pat Horrigan

About The Author: Captain Pat Horrigan

Company: Tropic Bay Guides

Area Reporting: Central west coast of Florida gulf- Nature Coast

Bio: IGFA Certified fly fishing guide fishing the waters from Homosassa south to Green Key. Fly fishing for tarpon, permit, snook, redfish, sea trout, pompano, jacks and shark. Fishing from a new Hewes Redfisher 18 flats boat powered by ETEC motor.

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Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Pat Horrigan