Spring's here and the action's been good, as usual for this time of year. Water temperatures are on the rise and the fish are reacting. The best news is still by far the numbers of slot-size, and larger trout that have been landed and released. Weather, as in a few showers and windy days, has dictated where and what to target, call it the rites of spring.
In Sarasota, snook, reds and large trout have been up on the skinny flats bashing topwater lures and flies in North Sarasota Bay. Redfish and trout have been busting top water baits and spoons for spin anglers, and Clouser Minnows and gurgler surface flies on the east side near the Ringling flats and on the west side around Buttonwood Harbor. Most redfish have been in the 3 to 4 pound class with the largest weighing in at 9 pounds. Best trout was 4 1/2 pounds.
Trout action is still great on the deeper edges of most flats. There are plenty of small ones out there, but the percentage of big fish caught and released on most trips has been outstanding. Spanish mackerel to 6 pounds, jacks to 8, bluefish to 4 pounds and several ladyfish are in the same areas taking Clousers, gurglers and bendbacks for fly anglers and spoons, soft plastic jigs and topwater lures for spin. In other words, they'll eat most anything worked their way.
In the Charlotte Harbor area, redfish, trout, ladyfish and Spanish Mackerel have been providing the best action. On lower tides and calmer days, redfish have been tailing and taking flies, gold spoons and the occasional top water lure on shallow flats around Gasparilla Sound. Spanish mackerel, trout, small cobia, jacks, ladyfish, and a few bluefish have been taking flies and soft plastics on the deeper grass in the same areas.
Redfish, snook, trout, Spanish mackerel and ladyfish are the best bets in areas around Lower Tampa Bay. Redfish, snook and trout action has been decent from Terra Ceia to Joe Bays. Mackerel, trout, bluefish and ladyfish have also been bashing top water's, spoons and soft plastics around the Skyway Bridge and Rattlesnake Key.
Thanks,
Capt. Kevin Chamberlain
http://www.flatsangler.com
(941) 366-FISH (3474)
