Inshore waters still are a bit dirty. In a week or so, most areas should return to prestorm conditions.
The large schools of redfish prevalent before the hurricanes have been hard to find. They might have responded to the shortened days or the drop in water temperatures by leaving the shallow flats.
The larger reds will head for the gulf and join the breeder schools moving along the coast. Most of the reds that are 27 inches or smaller move to the upper parts of Tampa Bay. Weedon Island, Cockroach Bay and most of the grass flats north of the Gandy Bridge will hold redfish through winter. The redfish schools in the lower parts of Tampa Bay have been small, 18-23 inches.
Trout action is good during a strong tide. The best areas are grass piles off the edges of flats in 3-5 feet. The best rig has been a float-and-jig combination. Work the edges of the dark spots while popping the cork. Let the cork move backward until it starts to sink. When the cork is just below the surface, reel in the slack and pop again. The best jig colors in the lower parts of the bay are strawberry and motor oil.
Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.
