Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By ED WALKER
Published December 8, 2005

Northerly winds have caused extended low tides nearly everyday this week. This can be a benefit for fishermen who discover where redfish and trout go when falling water forces them off the flats. Normally these spots are sandy depressions adjacent to large expanses of grass. Following a particular depth, the fish are drawn to places that always hold some water and where there is little risk of becoming trapped. Here the fish from a large area become concentrated and the fishing can be excellent.

When prospecting potential low tide holes, gold spoons and soft plastic jerk baits are very effective. Both of these lures cast a great distance and are relatively weedless, allowing anglers to cover a large amount of space in the least possible time. Once you hook a nice redfish or trout, ease the anchor over the side or stake out with a push pole and work the area completely. Before moving on, try throwing a line or two baited with a live pinfish into the same spot. On many occasions you can catch more fish from the same hole by switching from artificial to live bait.

These spots are usually good from the last quarter of the outgoing tide until the water starts to come in. As soon as the fish feel the tide begin to rise they will leave the confines of the pothole and spread out as they work their way back onto the grass to feed.

Ed Walker charters out of Tarpon Springs. Call 727 944-3474 or e-mail info@lighttacklecharters.com

[Last modified December 8, 2005, 00:50:19]