Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By JIM HUDDLESTON
Published April 19, 2005

Continuing cold fronts and windy conditions have made for unusual gamefish patterns this spring. Canals, marinas and protected shorelines have been key in finding fish that will eat. With the water dipping into the low 60s on the flats, most species are seeking protection and warmth again. Tides should improve this week, allowing more flow to back estuaries that hold good habitats for snook, redfish and trout.

Backwater creeks are a great place to find protection from the recent strong north winds. Brackish sweetwater in these winding waterways holds an abundance of crabs, chubs and other food for hungry predators. Swash holes can be found on curves throughout a creek and are key holding areas where fish will lay up. Work your lure or bait way in front of a hole so that the current will drift it through naturally. Incoming tides are easiest to fish because your boat can silently work in and not spook fish.

Deep dredged canals leading into marinas do not suffer quick drops in temperature and are normally a fish haven when fronts move through. Split shots or a quarter-ounce jig head will hold your bait near the bottom, where the best opportunity for hooking dinner is found. Whitebait or shrimp seem to work best in this scenario. Fishing this method with some of my clients last week produced many good-sized doormat flounders.

- Jim Huddleston charters out of Tampa, Palm Harbor and Clearwater and can be reached at 727 439-9017 or at jim@captainhud.com

[Last modified April 20, 2005, 10:39:01]