This past week provided some good fishing opportunities in the mornings and early afternoons. Light winds and warm water temps allowed us to fish where and how we wanted. That was nice for a change after all the wind we have had over the past month or so. As a result, we caught some nice trout and snook, and when you add in all the jacks, ladyfish, and snapper the action was pretty much non-stop. We concentrated on the edges of flats with good current and abundant bait. We started each morning throwing top-water plugs such as Yo-Zuri Banana Boats and had marginal success. The big top-water bite is still in the near future as the water continues to warm. Most of our success came on Yo-Zuri 3D Fingerlings and soft plastics such as Rip-Tide Brand Flats Chubs. White was the most effective color pattern. Can't get much simpler then that. We worked these lures at a moderate pace with long pauses. No one area produced a lot of fish, we just kept moving around picking up a few fish at each location, but by the end of our trips we had managed to catch a respectable number of nice fish.
As the month of April progresses and we move into May the fishing should get better and better. Consistently warm water and an increasing abundance of bait will spur fish to feed more often. Top-water plugs should become more effective during early mornings and late evenings and whenever there is a good chop on the water. You have to love that! Warmer water also means night fishing will be an option. If you have never fished at night during the full moon, you should give it a try. It takes a bit of getting used to, but there is no arguing with the fact that big trout and snook feed at night and seem to be a lot less skittish. This often times adds up to some awesome fishing.
Until next time, Tight-Lines to All.
Sincerely,
Capt. Ron
