The early morning trout fishing is much better than it was just two weeks ago. I have been leaving my dock about 6:30 a.m. to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and calm seas that have been common. Fish until about 10 a.m. to avoid heatstroke and midday thunderstorms.

The beautiful, lush grass flats between Crystal Beach and Howard Park have a reasonable number of keeper trout. My charters have been having enjoyable trips by throwing top water plugs that zigzag as they are retrieved. There are several on the market; use one with realistic eyes and high-pitch rattles. Sometimes the trout will strike several times, knocking the plug into the air. This can really be fun fishing. After the sun gets up, the fish may turn off striking on the surface. This is the time to go to 6-inch plastic worms rigged only on a worm hook if you are fishing in three feet of water or less. Use a lightweight jig with a plastic curly tail in deeper water. A lot of undersized fish usually can be caught in summer. Treat them gently and try to remove the hook without touching the fish.

Keep only enough trout for one meal as they do not freeze well. A couple is plenty and you will find satisfaction in releasing others to grow, spawn and give you another good day fishing.

-- Capt. Wendell Akins charters the Drifter out of Crystal Beach (Palm Harbor). Call (727) 785-3018, or e-mail at drifterfishing@aol.com.

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