This is the time to start rigging your gear with artificial lures. The edges of the flats are loaded with trout, redfish, mackerel, jacks and bluefish. We use three types of lures to cover the water column and time of day.
At sunup, we've had great action using topwater plugs for redfish and large trout. The reds hide in mullet schools or near oyster bars during high tide. Using the "walk the dog" technique, reds follow the plug before slamming the surface.
Don't stop moving the plug if you fail to hookup. Most times redfish will keep chasing and striking at the lure. When they don't, reel in as fast as possible and recast to the spot where the redfish broke the surface. When the sun is bright, expect slow topwater action.
Trout, mackerel, jacks and bluefish have been hanging in 3-4 feet. The best action has been over the grass spots that dot the edge of the flats. Using a float and jig combination, we had endless action with trout up to five pounds and blues 3-4 pounds. Root beer and motor oil were the colors that drew the most strikes. During higher tides, we fished using only a jig to work closer to the bottom. Most fish hid in the deep grass.
Lures allow you to cover spots quickly. When you find fish, anchor and switch to live whitebait.
- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.
