Scaled sardines, "greenbacks" are finally available on most area grass flats. Though most are somewhat small, nice snook-sized baits are mixed into the batch.
Fishing is still apparently disturbed from heavy rain and wind.
Snook have been cooperative throughout the tropical season. The tributaries that feed the bay are a consistent place to find hungry snook. They are not bothered by the freshwater content of rivers and creeks. Snook can be caught in freshwater and in some area lakes and rivers, especially in the winter. In fact, snook were introduced to an old phosphate pit in the Dover area. In only a year, the stocked fish grew at an incredible rate, attributable to the abundance of forage fish and a lack of indigenous largemouth bass.
We are due for the season's first cold front. It should mean Chamber of Commerce weather but the unfortunate side effect is wind, which is forecast the next several days.
Redfish are still on flats adjacent to established oyster mounds. Live shrimp, pinfish, or greenbacks will offer great opportunities. Reds tolerate cold and will continue to feed actively through the winter.
Speckled trout are becoming more prevalent on the flats in the Fort DeSoto area. The time approaching high tide has been the best part of the day to catch the large "gators." They will eagerly take most soft plastic jigs, and early in the morning, a surface plug can be used to trigger violent strikes. Limber rods and a loose drag will land more fish.
- Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call 813 310-6531 or e-mail www.snookfish.com
