John Rivers

Scouting for Trout and Reds on Friday the 13th and a neap tide? I must be crazy!

Friday the 13th is known for its many superstitions, but I didn't care, I was still going to try my luck at fishing. I knew it would be tough conditions today with the neap tide, but I was determined to catch some trout and also see if I could find any reds around on the flats. I have done a bunch of scouting the past few days due to a break in trips, and figured I'd better get out and fun fish before the summer season starts in. I've got some trips on the books starting Memorial Day, and then the rest of the summer will get booked up fast.

Two days ago I went out on a scouting trip to a new area that I found to hold some nice trout, but I didn't get there until later in the day. I caught a few there, but it was after 9am, so I wanted to get there earlier to see if the bite would be better.

I set the alarm for Friday morning at 4:00am and was on the spot at 5:45 sharp. Luckily, I ignored the Friday the 13th bad luck superstition, because this spot was on fire! My first fish was a nice 18" beautiful speck, I was stoked, as it was only my third cast of the day.

This bite stayed strong for a good 3 hours. I must have caught 25 keeper trout by myself today. I kept five for dinner and let the rest go to be caught another day. I tossed only a few lures today. Suspending twitch baits and top-waters. The bite was so good that I really didn't need to bring out the scented baits.

I really had a fun day today getting out by myself, watching the sun come up, and catching some nice trout. This is what it's all about and why I love fishing so much.

I really wanted my wife to come, but she had to work. I told her on her on next day off we're going trout fishing. I'll be out again next week as soon as the winds die down.

More scouting and maybe even catching some fish, which is a bonus.

Tackle Corner:

Penn Conquer 4000 & Penn Battle 3000 reels

Spooled with SpiderWire 10lb & 20lb Stealth Braid

All Star ASR 7 Ft Med & Fenwick 7ft Techna AV Rods

Lures:

MirrOlure's Catch 2000 (mullet pattern),

Paul Brown (pink metal flake), Top-Dog Jr (chartreuse)

Till the next adventure, Capt. John

Fish Species: Trout & Redfish
Bait Used:
Tackle Used:
Method Used:
Water Depth: 2 - 5ft
Water Temperature:
Wind Direction: SW
Wind Speed: 5 knots
Capt. John holds a nice 18
Capt. John holds a nice 18

A nice trout with a MirrOlure in it's mouth.
A nice trout with a MirrOlure in it's mouth.


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John Rivers

About The Author: Captain John Rivers

Company: Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters

Area Reporting: Tampa Bay, Clearwater, St Peterburg

Bio: Covering the Tampa Bay, Clearwater and St Petersburg area. Light tackle fishing for Snook, Redfish, Trout and more While cruising from spot to spot in our 24 ft custom Triton bay boat you will be riding in comfort, it has all the amenities. I\'m a veteran fishing guide of 18 years and you\'ll be in good hands. Thanks for stopping by. Tight Lines... John

727-313-1781
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