Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By DOUG HEMMER
Published May 3, 2005

Fishing this week was excellent until the wind blew. Areas that held good numbers of snook, redfish and trout became mud pits. There were probably a few fish in the area, but the water was too cloudy for sight fishing. Most of our time was spent searching for grass flats that had clear water. The best spots were in protected coves during the start of the incoming tide. We found a few redfish and trout hanging in the potholes that line the mangroves. Most were feeding on free-lined sardines, pinfish and shrimp. By the end of the incoming tide, most of these areas got filled with dirty water and the bite would shut down.

Before the strong winds started, we found schools of redfish moving into the mangroves on the incoming tide. A visible wake was created when large numbers of reds moved through shallow water. That made casting in front of the fish easy. Most trips averaged 15 to 20 reds. Our best day was April 25. We were able to catch and release 40 reds before noon. If the winds calm, look for this kind of action to return.

Trout fishing has been outstanding during the end of the incoming tide. Most of the fish had moved into the thick grass in the middle of the flats. A red float and jig combo produced trout in the 15 to 22 inch range. Most of the trout were hanging just inside the cloudy area.

--Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.

[Last modified May 3, 2005, 01:18:22]