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Low tide brings in redfish
By ED WALKER Shallow-water anglers have reported good catches of redfish and speckled trout when the sun emerged from behind the clouds. Today's full moon will provide strong tides with higher than normal highs and extreme lows. Monday's early-morning low will be among the lowest of the month. Schools of redfish have been "tailing" on the outer edges of some area flats at low tide, then gradually working their way toward the shoreline as the tide rises. Redfish swim with their tails out of the water to tip their heads into the grass and feed in a minimal depth of water. Once the tide starts to pour back onto the flats, the reds keep moving and remain horizontal. Since the water will be low for the next few days, those looking for redfish should start with a light spinning rod rigged with a 1/0 bronze colored hook and a short section of 15- to 20-pound leader. The best bait is a live jumbo shrimp with the end of its tail trimmed. This setup is one of the most effective for tailing reds. Flycasting is another method that works well and presents a great one-on-one challenge between angler and fish. With either method, casting is critical: Too close and the fish will spook. Too far away and, well, it's too far away. They key is to cast slightly past the fish and slowly drag the bait into its range of sight or smell. Since most tailing reds are found in turtle grass, once the bait stops moving, it will be caught in the grass. With live bait, that's okay. As long as the bait has been well placed, a redfish eventually will sniff it out and eat it even if it's caught on a blade of grass. The thrill of stalking a big redfish in 18 inches of water and watching as he strikes the bait and bolts across the flats is as rewarding as the fight itself. As the tide rises, blind casting becomes the more effective method. Since the fish no longer are visible, anglers need to cover as much area as possible. Weedless spoons or top-water plugs cast a long distance, especially when rigged on 6- or 8-pound line. Be sure to add a small swivel to the spoon to eliminate line twist. The Nature Coast has miles of productive flats. While there are redfish along the entire coastline, the Homosassa and Crystal River area and its strong fish populations, vast stretches of unspoiled salt marsh and backwaters make it one of the best redfishing locations in Florida. Some extra-large speckled trout have been moving into shallow water during the warm, midday period. As usually is the case in the winter, the biggest have been caught over dark mud-bottom in calm coves and bayous. Specks up to 6 pounds are being landed with soft-plastic jerkbaits rigged with light line and leader. Lure color should be subtle. Since most baitfish found in areas with mud-bottom are somewhat dark, try to make the lure look like it belongs there. Casting a bright pink or orange lure into an area where nearly everything is dark may spook fish. Colors such as green or brown with some glitter will get noticed without scaring fish. -- Ed Walker charters out of Palm Harbor. Call (727) 944-3474 or e-mail TarponEd@aol.com .
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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