12/10/2007
Hey everyone! December is here and the New Year is around the corner. Even with a few coldfronts, the weather here in Florida has been mild and the fishing action is great. There have been some exciting days out here as we have been able to see a lot of calm winds and blue skies. What better opportunity than Christmas break, to get out and do some fishing. Keep in mind, Gift Certificates can also be a creative gift idea for a loved one. OK. Here's what's happening.You haven't heard me talk a lot about Silver Trout, but they are a nice alternative during the closed season on Spotted Sea Trout for the table. These fish are very cooperative when you find them and can be easily caught no matter what experience level of the angler. We are using Gulp Shrimp by Berkley which is a heavily scented artificial bait on an 1/8 oz. jighead. There are a couple of good locations for the Silver Trout in my area. One is off of the beaches in 5 - 10 feet of water. The flat sandy bottom has held schools of bait over the past few weeks and the Silvers are hugging the bottom under these unsuspecting baits. Just cast out the Gulps and slowly hop them back to the boat. We are also getting a few Whiting and even some Spanish Mackerel with this same technique. Although smaller in most cases than the Spotted Sea Trout, these fish will bend the rods.Speaking of Spotted Sea Trout, they are really starting to show up again as they do each year around this time. The spoil islands are holding decent numbers as well as some of the flats along the East. A slow drift across these shallow flats with a jerkworm can often lead the discovery of a large school of Trout. The sandy potholes and scattered rocks seem to be a feature they like to stage around. Live shrimp under a cork or especially Greenbacks are an easy way to draw them in for a strike. While working the spoil islands, try to focus on the deeper edges until the water gets in the low 60's. The fish have seemed to be in the 6 or 7 foot ditches well off of the islands themselves. Of course, the grass flats between the dump banks are full of the smaller versions. I tend to use a smaller 3 - 4' tail on a jighead when drifting those areas. The season reopens for Spotted Trout on January 1st. there will be tremendous pressure on this species so be very careful while handling them. We need to preserve them as much as possible if not taking them for food.Redfishing has been pretty spotty lately. We are mostly catching the smaller variety around the rocks near the spoil islands. Mangroves are still a target when the tides are up, but not too close. The potholes in front of the bushes are holding the most fish. Oyster bars are also a good area to work. Even a few Snook are eating when the water temps are right. On a recent trip, we were able to hook a Red then a Snook nearly each cast. The Reds were 16 -20 inches and the biggest Snook was around 25 inches. Although not the monsters we see in the summer, the action was unbeatable.Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish are still around. These fish both have very sharp teeth and when not rigged correctly, you can lose a hook, sometimes without even feeling the bite. When targeting the Macks, I use a long shank hook such as the Mustad brand. This prevents their teeth from getting to the leader in most cases. They will still win a few times though.Even through the cold fronts we have had some beautiful days. Sometimes you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Call me at 727-365-7560 to plan a trip or to purchase a Gift Certificate while there is still time. Have a Merry Christmas.
Capt. Brian
Captain Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
http://www.captbrian.com/
