Monday Feb. 18th, 2008
Two Weeks in Review.
What a great couple of weeks we've had fishing in the Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey, and Clearwater areas. We've had 25+ redfish days along with 40+ trout days and some of the best weather you could ask for in February.
Two Weeks in Review.
What a great couple of weeks we've had fishing in the Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey, and Clearwater areas. We've had 25+ redfish days along with 40+ trout days and some of the best weather you could ask for in February.
Redfish charters have been pretty consistent and the fish have been easiest to find on low tides. We've used live shrimp, pinfish, and greenbacks for bait.
Smaller trout can be had in great numbers in deep cuts found in shallow flats and the larger trout have been caught on those same shallow flats once the tide came in high enough for us to get onto the flats. Trout have been taking live shrimp and Exude jigs fished on 3/8th oz. jig heads. Truth be told, the jigs have produced just as well as live bait. Sometimes better.
Of course, every day hasn't been a banner day and I don't want to mislead anyone by saying that it has. The weather and good tides have played a huge part in the success of our trips. Just about every time we had a cold front come through, the bite really slowed down for the following day or two. Though aggravating, this is normal for this time of year and even though these types of days are slow, we still caught fish. Just not in great numbers. When the water temperature drops 5 degrees or more over night, the fish tend to move to different areas and then when you do find them, their appetite isn't what it was when the water was warmer.
Thankfully, it doesn't stay cold for long and after fronts pass, the water warms back up and the bite is on again.
Look for fewer strong cold fronts over the next couple of weeks as we head towards springtime. As the water stays warmer, the bite will get even more consistent and the action will be even more steady. Spring is just around the corner and it should be awesome. Redfish will be schooling, snook will be hungry (after being nearly dormant all winter), and the trout will be biting as usual.
Tampa Bay Fishing
Captain Clay Eavenson
813-300-2147
http://www.captainclay.com/
gofishing@captainclay.com
