Is Mother Nature trying to pull a fast one? The temps this past week have been 68 –75 degrees, and it's going to be the same next week. With above normal temperatures for the past few days and more warm weather ahead; the fishing will also warm up here on the Gulf coast. We've got sheepshead and redfish in the pass and on the jetties, more redfish on the beaches and up along the flats of the ICW. No need to wait for Spring Break; get out there now for some fun fishing!
Not only has the sheepshead bite started early, but also the redfish in the pass has been exceptionally good. Most of the reds are 15 –20 lb fish, which makes for good light tackle action.
If you're wanting to take some speckled trout home, you'll have to wait a little longer; the season is still closed and won't open back up till March 1st. White trout is open and the bite on 3-mile bridge has been great, and there are reports of even a few slot reds being pulled off the bridge. On Bob Sikes Bridge, sheepshead and black-drum are taking live shrimp like there's no tomorrow. Fishing has really picked up the past two weeks and it's just what I was hoping for. I think even if we get a couple more cold fronts, the fishing this spring is going to be great.
Tackle Box:
For white trout on the bridges:
15-inch, 15 - 20 lb fluorocarbon leader, matched up with a Berkley Gulp 4" grub or 3" –4"shrimp on a ¼ - ¾ oz jig. Rod and reel for trout is an All Star medium 7' combined with a Penn Battle 3000 spooled with Stren Sonic braid 10 - 20 lbs.
For sheepshead in the pass:
15-inch, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader, with a #1 – #2 Gamakatsu circle hook or regular J hook if you can't resist jacking their jaws. Rod and reel for sheepshead is an All Star med-heavy 7' combined with a Penn Battle 4000 spooled with Stren Sonic braid 20- 30 lbs.
Spring is knocking at the door and I am ready to answer with a big "Welcome Back!"
See you on the water.
Tight Lines.
Capt. John
