1/9/2008
Hello and Happy New Year! I hope things are going well for you in 2008. We have had some cold snaps here in Florida over the last week. 29 degrees one morning! Now that's cold for us thin blooded Floridians. Yes it has had an affect on the fish. There have been Snook, Reds, and Ladyfish floating along some shorelines in North Pinellas County. The quick temperature drop usually kills a few intolerant fish. The good news is that the high temperature has been near 80 the last few days bringing the water up to 60 degrees again. Whew! I can't handle too many weeks like that. Anyway, there is still some good fishing so here we go.The main species this time of year is the Spotted Sea Trout. They are again in season since January 1st and they are cooperating when approached correctly. Earlier this week, I had little success in getting a bite from them even with live shrimp in their face. The water was only 55 degrees and they hadn't acclimated to it yet. However, the last couple of days were pretty good. We have been floating live shrimp under a float across some small sand holes in 3 - 5 feet of water. The darker eel grass holds a little more warmth than the rocks and sand surrounding the spoil islands so I look for clean water with a few sand holes scattered along a grassy flat. 4 feet of 20 lb. leader will get the shrimp down to eye level for the Trout to easily bite without too much effort. I could not get a bite at all on any jigs the past few days. I think the fish just didn't want to chase their prey in the cooler waters. However, as the days go on, the sun heats the water and the fish begin to chew better. We had 10 good Trout by the end of my trip on Tuesday with my newest client 'Mary D.' She was able to take her limit that day and was going home to smoke them in a smoker she uses quite often. Redfishing has been slow, although 'Mary D.' did get a 20 incher by floating a shrimp on a shallow flat during the extreme low tides we have had. The Reds I have found have been scattered along a few flats and around the docks but certainly are not schooled in great numbers lately. We have been hooking a few out around the spoil islands as well, but mostly shorts. The Redfish will usually acclimate well to the colder water so I expect that the rest of this week should be productive once they are found. I am still using the Gulp Shrimp and live shrimp to hook these feisty fish. Patience and a very slow retrieve is the only way to get a bite when the fish are sluggish. Snook are way up in the rivers and canals now. They are only eating when they must, on the warmer parts of the day. I usually leave them alone during this portion of the year. They are in survival mode when the water temperature drops like it does. Sheephead are good alternative when all else fails. A small hook buried in a shrimp can trick these wiley fish into a bite. They can easily get the meat without the hook so hiding the hook can be effective for these thieves. Well that's what's happening. The fishing will improve every day as the fish get used to the new conditions. I see it every year. So don't hesitate to book your day on the water with me. Hey it beats shoveling snow or sitting behind that desk. See ya soon.
Capt. Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
http://www.captbrian.com/
