High northwest winds have muddied the gulf and lower bay waters, making it difficult to get bites. But there is hope, and the key is finding clean water.
Sheepshead always is a player. Gather your snook-size gear and head to residential canals for these tasty critters. Goats are plentiful, big and put up a dandy fight. Oysters, worms, mussels, barnacles and frozen shrimp make good bait. Frozen shrimp has more odor than live shrimp, giving the goats more scent to home in on. A small piece of shrimp is enough.
While you're in the canals, don't forget about red drum (redfish). They're eager to take your offerings. Reds love shrimp, so tail-hook a live shrimp and send it under the docks. You might need a pinch of lead to keep the shrimp in position. If you're interested in using artificials, a slow presentation is your best bet. A light jig or imitation shrimp dragged along the bottom will have the most success.
Because we are experiencing lower than normal tides, scour the flats for deep potholes. Reds love to hang out in these deep pools until the tide comes in. You also will find catch-and-release snook, trout and flounder. Live shrimp will do the trick there, too.
- Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at 727 510-4376 or by e-mail at captrick@luckydawg.com
