John Rivers

Fish on! It's pulling drag-- must be a Redfish. Redfish and trout have been on the menu for the past few days. We've stayed in the bay looking for fish, as the gulf has been a bit rough this past week. The white trout bite has been productive, and we've been using 3" natural color Berkley Gulp shrimp on a ½ oz jig head (red or white). I cannot believe the size of these trout. In the past few trips we've boated some over 19". I personally measured one at 21", and that's big for a white trout. We have also been hooking up some nice keeper reds using ¾ - 1 oz Spro Jigs. This past week the weather was in the upper 70's and humid, which was a treat for those fishing here in December. However, Mother Nature is about to let us know that winter is here with a cold front coming in this week, which will drop temps all the way down to 34 degrees in the morning, then warming up only the middle 50's and 60's by afternoon. The good news is that this should really turn on the big reds. It's been a little slow the past few days for reds off the beaches; most of the reds have been caught near 3-mile bridge. With that north wind, the gulf is always calm right near shore, and these large schools of redfish show up and feed. Keep watching for birds working the water, and you will find the reds, and when you do, get ready for some fun fishing action! Using 30 lb Stren braid on a 7ft med-hvy rod will guarantee rod-bending drag screaming fun for sure! I've said this before and I'll say it again; winter red fishing has to be my favorite time of year to fish.

I've got a few days still left open after Christmas and going into the new year, so if you're looking for a great Christmas gift or your New Year's Resolution is to catch a trophy Redfish, then give me a ring, and we'll get you on the water and into these large schools of reds.

See ya on the water!

Capt. John.

Professional Fishing Guide

Mega-Bite Inshore Charters

Capt. John Rivers

850-341-9816

Pensacola, Fl.

Thanks to my sponsors:

Mann's Lures, SPRO Fishing Tackle,

Gamakatsu Hooks,Pure Fishing - Berkley & ABU Garcia, Shakespeare , Sea Pro Boats

Fish Species: Redfish, Trout
Bait Used: Berkley Gulps, Spro Jigs, Mann's Stretch 25
Tackle Used:
Method Used:
Water Depth: 18ft - 30ft
Water Temperature:
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Mark shows us that bouncing a Spro jig off the bottom produces quailty fish!
Mark shows us that bouncing a Spro jig off the bottom produces quailty fish!

This big Red hit a Mann's stretch 25 (orange and red)
This big Red hit a Mann's stretch 25 (orange and red)


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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
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain John Rivers