Place an Ad Calendars Classified Forums Sports Weather

sptimes.com Text-only News sections Arts & Entertainment AP The Wire Business Citrus County Columnists Floridian Hernando County Hillsborough Letters Movies Neighborhood Times News Update North Pinellas North of Tampa Obituaries Opinion Pasco County South Pinellas Sports State Tampa Bay TV Times World & Nation  Find your local news section Weekly sections Brandon Times City Times Homes Outdoors Perspective Personal Tech Taste Travel Weekend Xpress Special Sections Arena football Buccaneers College football Devil Rays Lightning Police reports Schools Seniority Subscriber Services Subscribe Renew Help Advertise Place an ad In print Online Market Info Join Us Internships Scholarships Times Jobs Contact us

Daily fishing report

Mild winters such as this one offer excellent redfishing opportunities. During warm spells these fish gather together in large schools roaming the shallow flats in search of food. Though in a feeding mood and taking most natural baits thrown in front of them, they can be spooked easily.

Lack of rain and cooler waters that inhibit algae blooms usually lead to clear waters this time of year. This water, coupled with the fact that the redfish are predominantly in 1-3 feet of water makes it difficult to approach these fish. The slightest shadow or stomp on the boat is often enough to send the school in the wrong direction.

Poling low-profile skiffs or wading are ideal approaches for stalking the fish in these situations.

In cases where these options are not available, anchoring and dead chumming is an effective alternative.

Once you've anchored, start throwing loose pieces of mullet, shrimp or your cut bait of choice in all directions. By doing so you not only bring the fish in from a greater distance, you often keep them stationary for longer. Once they start competing for food, they seem to lose a bit of their inhibition. In some cases they'll take nearly any offering.

Cast baits in the same directions as the chum. Once you get a bite you've probably located the school.

- Capt. Pete Katsarelis charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at (727) 439-3474 or by e-mail at inshoreadventure@aol.com.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright