Since the weather keeps fluctuating, fishing has been a
challenge. Trout are still feeding, but the trend has been
taking two days of east winds to gather these fish back
into bunches. Most of the fish have been scattered, but
are of good quality. We have been encountering fish
ranging from 17 to 22 inches. It seems that the preferred
depth has been 3 to 5 feet of grass flats with big pot holes
in them. Drifting live shrimp underneath a popping cork, and/or
Cajun Thunder has made a big difference. If you can get
that second day with the east winds, the Trout will move up
on the flats to deeper pot holes.
Redfish are on the flats, but the tide and area has been crucial.
Live shrimp and small pinfish are working well. The best bait
has been the Saltwater Assassin 4" Cocktail Shrimp in the
pattern of chandelier isles with a 16th ounce mustad peghook.
Worked extremely slow seems to be the most productive for
these bruisers.
Sheephead have been spotty. Live shrimp, mud crabs, or
fiddler crabs have worked well. High water in the mid morning
or early afternoon has been the most successful.
Hopefully the weather will break and get things back to normal,
in order for you to enjoy a nice day out on the flats, from
Clearwater to Tarpon Springs.
Thanks,