Monday's trip was ushered in by slick calm conditions. What a pleasure to see the Tampa Bay area look more like Florida than the frozen tundra it's been this winter. The run to Ft. Desoto to pick up my clients Walter and Megan was smooth and mild.
With the water still chilly at 57 degrees I headed to deeper waters that scored big time on Sunday. Fishing live shrimp in 10' off a grass flat I was confident my anglers would be on the trout quickly. One hit after 15 minutes was not an auspicious start. Plan B run to the canal that was loaded with trout last week. Walter took one trout in 20 minutes. About this time Captain Steven can best be described as stinking up the place!
The water was murky with wind swept sediment from yesterday's brisk North winds so I changed gears and ran to cleaner water. Trout are notorious for seeking clean water, a good tip when searching for trout.
Finally we got the party started with trout to 16" and many Ladyfish. Megan was the Ladyfish slayer catching numerous large fish several even pulled drag. About this time a pelican came out of nowhere trying to eat Megan's Ladyfish. It was all we could do to keep this pelican away! He would not leave us alone, the pelican even road on the stern to our next stop!
One of the best part of being a charter Captain is the great people I meet. Walter and Megan were truly a pleasure, I was enjoying the company so much I ran past the 4 hours we had planned.
Captain Steven
