Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 26, 2002
Winter conditions continue in Old Tampa Bay. Those braving them have caught speckled trout, redfish and sheepshead.
Live shrimp and soft plastic jigs are working best. The fish are not moving much. So slow down. If you think you are fishing too slow, it is probably not slow enough.
Trout have been coming from deeper grass areas and dropoffs adjacent to grass flats. They will gradually move toward shallower water.
Shrimp on a split shot or deep under a float will lead to nice specks. Be sure to fight them slowly. Many trout have been lost by horsing them in. Their mouths are thin and tear easily. This is a good time to break out the ultra-lights and have fun.
The redfish are hanging close to deeper oyster mounds and residential docks. They are concentrated in certain areas. Do not devote much time in one spot. You might have to move around. It is usually evident if a spot is holding reds. If you have not had a bite in 15 minutes or so, try another region.
Sheepshead have been cooperative in the past few weeks. Shrimp or pieces of shrimp, fiddler crabs or small oysters work well for the striped bandits. Set the hook on the first indication of a hit. They can be tricky.
-- Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call (813) 831-0355.