Fishin' the flats-Outstanding

Report Date: April 14, 2009

The trout bite continues to be hot. Over the last couple of weeks, spotted sea trout have been plentiful on the pristine, clear grass flats of Crystal River, Homosassa, Chazz and down to Bayport. Many limits have been filled with many released unharmed. They seem to favor grub tail jigs or Salt Water Assassins sea shad, pinfish, green, or candy corn color.

Gator trout....

White and pink or rootbeer worked slowly over the grass with a red or white 1/8 oz Cotee jig will get nice results, too. Next time out, try using some of the suspending "twitch baits". We have caught a lot of big trout and reds on these, lately. Several lure companies make them.
My favorite is a Yozuri orange belly, gold side and black back, 4 inch.
Mega Bait has several and Mirrolure has their Catch 2000's which work the same way. These lures are neutral bouyant and can be fished over shallow water using the "twitch, twitch, reel" method. Dynamite!

We have caught some good numbers of Redfish lately. Some days reaching 30-40 in the 20-35 inch range. Poundage wise that would be from 4 to 15 pounds. On light spinning or fly rod these spotted tail rascals do put of a fight.

Tailing redfish

As a matter of record, we caught a keeper 27 inch red the other day without a single spot. I don’t remember that ever happening. Normally, they will have one or numerous spots, but rarely, not any. If some of you anglers out there have had that happen, drop me an email. I’m curious as to how often this occurs.

Last trip out, we caught everything from Trout, Big Reds to 13 pounds, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Lady Fish( poor man's Tarpon), Jack Crevalle, Shark and Grouper. A mixed bag indeed! From now on through the summer, you can expect to repeat this feat.

Jeff shows off a nice mackerel

The last week, I've noticed more big reds and schools of reds on the outer points and grass edges of islands. As they make their transition from the back country, you can quickly notice these back country reds by their dark copper color. The ones staying on the outside are lighter in color. Another observation is they aren't as agressive yet to hit gold spoons, topwater, or other type artificial plugs. Live bait like jumbo shrimp, pinfish or chubs work great now.

April 20th is the unofficial day the ol’ timers say the first Tarpon show up in our area. . I’ll let you know in the next report if that holds true.

Tarpon, Cobia, big Reds and more are waiting for you on the flats. Give me a call or email to book your next trip.

And remember, Take a youngster fishing, because a child’s smile and good fishing is the best medicine for what ails ya!

Until then,
"May God bless you with golden sunsets, gentle breezes to your
back, big fish, calm seas and tight lines"

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