Clearwater north to Tarpon Springs
January 15, 2013 - Spotted Sea Trout remains my main target fish through-out January. The shallow grass flats from Clearwater north to Tarpon Springs have been abundant with Speckled Trout this month. My favorite artificial bait has been the Mister Twister Exude Dart or Gulp's three inch shrimp on 1/8th. oz. Mission jigs. Although trout love live shrimp, you can out fish someone using shrimp with one of these jigs. You can cover more water and find more fish fan casting as you slowly drift the near shore flats. Keep your retrieve slow so that the jig stays near the bottom. A slight twitch with the rod tip while maintaining a slow steady retrieve should do the job. Speckled Trout is my favorite inshore fish to take home for a fish fry. CJ (pictured here) landed his first Spotted Sea Trout on a Gulp artificial shrimp.
Sheepheads are also abundant this time of year. The best docks are the ones leading back to the residential coves and canals. Fish the larger oyster bars on high tides for these tasty fish. I use a small hook baited with shrimp and a small split shot to keep it on the bottom and near the dock.
In the next few months I will be turning my attention back to Redfish. The deeper residential docks with oysters and shells underneath will be a gathering place for larger fish. I have done entire fishing trips around a few docks in the Clearwater area.
The Scaled Sardines will also be showing up inshore in greater numbers this March. It's been several months since I've thrown the net and I am ready to get started. See you on the water.
Capt. Paul Hajash (727) 251-2623
www.flyfishingflorida.com
