Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By JIM HUDDLESTON
Published August 14, 2005

An inshore slam is achieved by catching a spotted sea trout, a redfish and a snook. Accomplishing this in one day is an extraordinary feat.

But these are creatures of habit, and being a successful fisherman means knowing what causes the fish to move from one situation to the next. Tides, lunar phases, temperature, bait and time of year play important roles in the patterns of these fish.

Proper tackle allows precise presentations that look natural and entice game fish. Whether using artificials, live bait or even cut bait, stealth always helps when working a flat for these weary fish. A good trolling motor or a push pole allows for an approach from the right angle.

Don't spook the fish with a cast. It is better to make a couple of casts short of the target than to get too close and blow the fish off an oyster bar or trough. Use the wind to get the optimum distance on your cast.

Move into the shallows with an incoming tide to find fish that are receptive. When trout, redfish and snook push onto a flat during this tidal phase, they are aggressive because there is more water coming in behind them. And the availability of baitfish, crabs and other food makes for ideal hunting for game fish.

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 August 14, 2005, 00:54:16]