Trout, trout and more trout was Fridays theme. Ultra clear grass flats on Tampa Bay yielded good numbers of spotted sea trout. With the water temperatures still in the mid 60's bait is still abundant and was easy to net. Scaled sardines averaging 3-4" make for perfect bait.
Friday my angler Dan and I found the early morning winds had kicked up Tampa Bay so instead of making a bumpy run we stayed in the Ft. Desoto area. It was game on from the start with non stop trout action. Most were 13-14" with a handful bigger.
We would catch a dozen then make adjustments deeper, shallower trying to locate larger ones. It was like ground hogs day the movie as each stop mirrored the prior ones. Sardines, big shrimp, artificials it didn't matter we could not dial in the bigger trout. What a good problem to have with bents rods all day.
With the winds abating we ran 7 miles across Tampa Bay for snook and redfish. Sadly the action was sluggish with only one small red and snook so returned to the grass flats.
Again it was if we never left with trout after trout. This time we found some big ladyfish had moved in along with bluefish. Both great fighters especially on light tackle. Lighten your main line and leader with the ultra clear water. Fluorocarbon leaders 10-15 pounds is plenty with 8 pound super braided line. Handle trout with care, using a de hooker allows a quick safe return.
Captain Steven
