The anticipation of baitfish inshore can produce frustration this time of year. Warm days and sunny skies signal spring action, but the water temperature remains chilly. Pods of bait have been hanging just offshore waiting to make the move, but until they come in, expect things to remain slow.

Most fish have been scattered by contrasting weather changes the past two weeks. Once a school is located, the bite can be good with the most recent warming trend. Artificial lures continue to be top producers when worked slowly and near the bottom. Light jigheads rigged with 41/2-inch slugger-style tails have outperformed live shrimp on several occasions. The color should be strawberry glitter or pearl white. Imitation plastic shrimp that glow also have accounted for several fish as they allow more water to be covered than a live shrimp.

Trout have been the primary target along edges of grass flats and in deeper potholes. An added bonus has been flounder. Dragging the lure through the sand has picked up several as they camouflage themselves into the bottom.

Patience has been necessary. If keeper fish are not landed within a reasonable amount of time, keep moving until a concentration of fish is found. Once the water temperature rises a few more degrees and the baitfish make their migration, expect everything to cut loose. Get ready!

-- Capt. Brent Gaskill charters the Summer Vacation out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 343-1765 or by e-mail at gaskill@tampabay.rr.com.

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