I made it to the water about 12:30 pm, Wed the 23rd. Had to do some exploring for clients coming in the next day from Orlando. Needed to search a few areas fast. Tied on my go to plastic tail jig and stayed with it all afternoon. In my seminars, I talk about having a go to or your favorite artificial that works in almost every condition and all seasons.
Started on the beach outside of Clwtr. Pass and after a couple dozen casts, I ended up with a 27" redfish, a 25" snook, one sheepshead and a blue fish. Water temp on the beach was 61.5 degrees and there were herds of glass minnows 1 to 2 inches, all along the beach. Back inside the bay, explored the east side docks. Saw a couple of reds under the docks. Went back into the mangroves and found nice size trout and some more blue fish. Water temp inside was 60.2. Ended with a small 68 inch winter slam for 2 1/2 hrs of work.
Winds were 15 mph from the east and increased in the afternoon. Partly sunny in the am then totally overcast by noon.
Met clients at 9 am Thurs with a well full of shrimp, since white bait is scarce in the winter. Proceeded to follow the same pattern as the day before, but fished additional areas as well. Started outside on Clwtr. Beach and caught a 23 inch snook. Also caught two sheepshead there. Fished inside the bay at 6 to 8 spots and found 18 to 21 inch trout at each location.
Lots of big trout are starting to show up in St Joseph Sound and Clearwater Harbor. We could not connect with that redfish to complete the slam. But they're out there and there is always another day.
Happy holidays and the best in 2010.
Capt Gary
727 458-6335
