As the Florida weather is endlessly fluctuating, fishing has been a challenge. Trout are still feeding, but the trend has been taking two days of east winds to gather these fish back into bunches after these fronts roll through almost weekly. Most of the fish have been scattered, but are of good quality. We have been encountering fish ranging from 17 to 22 inches.
Targeting Trout | Early February 2022
It seems that the preferred depth for targeting Trout has been 3 to 5 feet of grass flats with big potholes abounding. Drifting live shrimp underneath a popping cork, and/or Cajun Thunder has really helped to increase these fish to make the leap onto the hook.
Playing the Wind-Game
If you can get that second day after a front with east winds, the Trout will move up on the flats to deeper potholes.
Tide Timing is Key for Reds
Redfish are on the flats, but the tide and area have been crucial. Live shrimp and small pinfish are working well. The best artificial bait for both species has been Mirror Lure, Little John, and the Provoker in darker colors on 1/6oz jig head. Don’t forget to have a few MorrOdines in the pro series.
Targeting Sheepshead and Black Drum
Sheepshead and black drum have been hanging around the Jetties, Bridges and deeper Docks from Indian Rocks Bridge to Dunedin Causeway. Live shrimp mangrove crabs and mud crabs are the bait of choice.
Redfish
Redfish
Black Drum
Black Drum
It Doesn't Get Better Than This
These are the perfect days on water here on Florida’s Gulf Coast. From Indian Rocks Beach up to the prestine waters of Clearwater and into the inshore flats, the sun is out, the temperature is near perfect and Captain Craig is the expert you need to put you right on the fish, every time!