Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Outdoors

Spoiled rotten

By DAVID A. BROWN
Published February 12, 2005

Much of fishing's great mystery boils down to the old "stump in the pond" allusion that anything sticking out of the water provides strategic use for game fish. Be it shelter from bigger teeth, ambush opportunities or simply a grazing area with abundant food, the logic merits consideration.

This rule fits the many spoil islands along the Nature Coast.

From those jutting out of St. Joseph's Sound and the ever-popular two-tree islet in the Anclote River channel to the rocky spoil banks outside Gulf Harbors, shorelines were formed as bottom material was displaced by dredging operations. Much more than monuments to a need for navigable waters, these formations are fish magnets.

Sizes and shapes of these islands vary, but some common truths apply. There is always an upcurrent and downcurrent side to any object in the water. Tidal direction changes, so work with the water, not against it. Remember the basics: Most fish face into the current when feeding, and lures or baits that run into the current usually appear unnatural to wary predators.

As for spoil island formation, years of tides typically yield a shallow and a deep side. The latter is always a good place to look for fish, as steep profiles make excellent ambush spots. And the deeper water is usually a few degrees warmer in the winter or cooler in the summer.

When approaching a spoil island from any angle, you must consider a fish's reaction to the sounds and vibrations of boats. Avoid disturbing the fish by paying attention to your noise. Shut down the outboard and use a trolling motor or push pole to ease into your spot. Move cautiously and remember that dropping tackle, slamming hatches and incessant shuffling can alert fish to your presence.

An important element of stealthy boat positioning is the anchor. Anchors are heavy and loud, and many anglers spoil a spot by carelessly tossing their anchor into tranquil water. Instead, gently slide the anchor overboard and let the rope pay out through your hands to eliminate noisy rubbing on the gunwale. Drift back to withing casting range of a fishing spot and cleat the rope.

Another option is an ambush. On an incoming tide, anchor or beach the boat as shallow as possible and wait for the fish to move in with the rising water. You can silently await the fish, and they won't be shocked by the approach of a boat.

You also can anchor, walk across the island and fish the opposite side. They'll never hear you coming. Wear wading boots or otherwise protect your feet, as rocky, shell-strewn bottom can be hazardous.

Most of the common inshore baits and techniques produce around spoil islands. Live shrimp fished under a cork is a sure bet, and the ability to adjust the bait's depth is especially helpful when targeting an island's sloping edges. Popping corks are the best option, as the slurping sound mimics a fish feeding on the surface.

Quarter-ounce jigs with grub or shad tails, as well as soft plastic jerkbaits rigged on 3/0 wide-gap hooks or jig heads, enable anglers to cover a lot of water to locate schools. Versatility is key here, as you can quickly switch out colors, shapes and sizes to determine what works best.

Jigging is particularly effective in the winter, as speckled trout hug the bottom near island edges. Trout eat a lot of crabs and shrimp, so work your jig low and slow to blend in with natural food.

In low-light conditions early in a morning or on days with overcast skies, topwater plugs do a great job of enticing strikes. Work these with a low rod tip and erratic side-to-side twitches. This "walking the dog" action simulates a wounded baitfish, and trout, redfish and snook will pounce.

If a fish boils and misses your topwater plug, let it sit still for about 10 seconds, then make a couple of slight twitches. The attacker usually watches its prey after a missed strike, and any movement often draws another strike.

[Last modified February 12, 2005, 00:51:02]