Big Redfish Galore!

Report Date: August 18, 2002

This summer has been a heck of a good ?un for Redfish. It seems more big ?Bubba? reds have been seen and caught on our clear, pristine, shallow flats this year than in previous ones. Probably a product of good conservation management, water quality, habitat, bait fish and plenty of ethical fishermen only taking their allowable limit of slot size fish. Which brings me to another point. I have been asked many times, why Florida allows only one Redfish per angler when bordering states allow up to 3 or even 5? Well, the answer is, in the past our biologists have determined that is the optimum number to harvest with the current population of fish. However, I see an exceptionally healthy population of fish everyday I am on the water. In talking to my other colleagues who guide their clients to pursue these ?bulldogs of the flats?, most report the same. We have plenty of healthy redfish. Personally, I think the limit should be changed to 2 or 3 per person. At least those of you who only get to enjoy one or two days of fishing a month on your days off, can take enough fish home to have a good fish fry. Those of you out there who have an opinion about this can email me and let me know how you feel.

Best bets for this month: Redfish can be found schooling on the inshore flats and around the spoil banks north of Crystal River. Look for rocky points, oyster bars, grass lines near mangroves to find most of your fish. Early morning and evening low light conditions are prime time for top water plugs like the Mirrorlure Top Dog. Plastic jerk baits like Saltwater Assassins and gold spoons fished over rocky cover on a moving tide works well too. Best color patterns are white, rootbeer, and black with gold flecks. Trout will start to move into shallower water of 3-6 feet. Best bet is top water as mentioned above and twitch baits worked over grass beds spotted with sand spots. Cajun or popping corks with a Cotee jig and soft plastic grub or live shrimp or pinfish will catch you a limit of ol? specks. Big trout love to hang out on the edges of holes or drop offs, waiting for bait fish. To catch the them, use a stealth approach or drift technique, light lines in the 6-10 lb class and long casts. Remember, they didn?t get big by being stupid. So, you have to outsmart them.

Offshore the grouper bite should be very good in depths of 40- 60 feet. Keep an eye out for Cobia and Kings as you head out and in. This could definitely make and average day into an exceptional one.

To our many friends who are new in the area, one of the best ways to learn how to catch fish in your area is hire a guide the first time out. All over our Sunshine State we are blessed with some of the best in world. Give one in your area a call or give me a call and I will be happy to recommend one.. You will be glad you did.

Remember?.Take a youngster fishin?, cause a child?s smile and good day fishin? is the best medicine for whatever ails ya'.

Captain Ed Lewis

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