Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By DAVE WALKER
Published January 8, 2006

Cold weather and windy conditions have kept most anglers in port. Sleeping in on nasty days seems like the best option, but those who want to prove a point, or who can tolerate the cold, can catch fish.

Speckled trout are one species that feeds regardless of how cold it is. Chilly mornings tend to find trout grouped in depressions and potholes. The mouths of residential canals and deep cuts adjacent to the flats are great places to find concentrations of trout.

Ultralight gear can make the experience more enjoyable. It enables anglers to detect subtle strikes, which are common when it is cold, and it's ideal for casting lightweight jigs, which trout love. Also, it's just plain fun. Specs aren't known for their tenacity or brawn.

Barbs should be bent for easy release. Trout are especially vulnerable to disease if their slime layer is breached. With a bent barb, the fish can be shaken off the hook, giving it a much better chance for survival. Grab the jig head, and a small shake is all it takes. Only net the fish intended for dinner.

Sheepshead are milling around most docks in Tampa Bay. A small shrimp on a proportionately sized live-bait hook pitched close to the pilings is a combination for success. They, like trout, will eat on cold days and are very tasty.

Dave Walker charters out of Tampa and can be reached at 813 310-6531 or at www.snookfish.com

[Last modified January 8, 2006, 00:45:14]