The trout have been the least affected by the weather. They are along the deeper flats of 3-5ft of water. A live shrimp under a popping cork with 3 ft of leader has been an extremely effective way of catching them. If you want to catch them on artificials, a 1/8th oz jighead and your favorite soft plastic have been effective.
The redfish have also been easy to find over the last week. While they have been hard to make to eat. A live shrimp has been the key. Oyster bars along mangrove shorelines have been holding good amounts of redfish. Do not think that becausethe water is shallow that the fish are not going to be there. They are extremely shallow sunning themselves trying to warm up.
The snook have not been very cooperative lately. However, they have been able to be coaxed to eat with a large amount of whitebait chum. Load your well early in the morning with the biggest whitebait that you can. When you arrive to a spot injue 10 or so baits and toss them to the area that you are fishing. The snook cannot resist an easy meal and will soon be in the mood to eat.
A large school of 30-40lb black drum has been roaming around the Pinellas Point area. A halved crab or a shrimp on a jghead will get inhaled instantly. Fight these fish on light tackle and you will have a blast!
As the weather starts to warm up, the fishing will pick up. We are almost through the winter and with the time change this sunday, we will have even more time to fish after work! Keep fishing and tight lines!
Ben Choi
727-432-7232
benchoi@tampabay.rr.com
