Inshore fishing report

Use winter's low tides to learn new areas

By JIM HUDDLESTON
Published January 13, 2006

Winter is a great time to explore and gain a better knowledge of the flats and estuaries we fish the rest of the year. With clean, clear water and extreme low tides, more cuts and bottom structure become evident. The gained knowledge helps find elusive game fish in the spring.

The spotted sea trout bite has not been hampered by the Red Tide that plagued the area over the summer. Large female trout have started to move into the shallow grass flats in good numbers throughout north Pinellas County.

A good chart with topographical markings and an aerial photo on the back is a key tool. It is best to look over a chart and find a dropoff on a flat and proceed from there. On an incoming tide, move with the rising water, throwing weedless jerkbaits to find areas where redfish and trout stage up.

In colder water be sure to really creep the baits along slowly, because the fish may be lethargic. Look for small cuts or troughs into which water will seep first. These lead into small feeder pools that congregate fish of all types.

It is often best to push the boat as shallow as it can go, then get out and wade to unsuspecting fish. Sandy or rocky terrain mixed with patches of turtlegrass are optimum areas that hold sheepshead and other crustacean-crunching species. The lower tides will expose crests or shoals that aren't normally seen during the warmer months. These become staging areas during spring's higher water.

Be sure to note on the chart anything that will stand out and help you to catch more fish. Baits of choice, wind direction and strength of tide are things to note for reference, too. Like following a treasure map, your chart helps establish a pattern of where fish sit in all phases of the tide.

The colder months are always prime time for catching large spotted sea trout. As a staple of winter fishing, the trout are receptive to both live bait and artificials. Patterning their bite in different tide phases can allow a strong bite all day long.

Like most game fish, trout have a comfort level in which they like to feed. Variables such as water temperature and strength of tide determine how far they will push onto a flat.

On cooler days, schools of trout will sit in shallow sandy depressions in hopes of soaking up some heat and chasing down what the skinny water may offer for a meal. This type of situation is more productive for anglers at first light, as it helps camouflage lures. If the fish seem too finicky to eat, try a soft-plastic with some kind of added scent and slow down the retrieve to a crawl.

In water depths of four feet or more, an 1/8-ounce jig head attached to a swimming plastic tail can enable an angler to work the entire water column. Keeping the rod tip high as the lure is retrieved with short pops and an erratic motion often stimulates a reactionary bite. Be sure to keep good tension on the line, as trout will shake their head furiously to dislodge the hook.

Green, motor-oil and other dark shades have produced well in the clear waters leading up to Anclote Key. The open water between the spoil islands and land have held the most fish. Drifting is best when working this large area.

A few schools of redfish have appeared in upper Pinellas County waters. The stronger incoming tides around the new and full moon bring more water onto the flats. Redfish use this push of water to get very shallow and grub around with their tails waving high. A tail-hooked shrimp placed in front of the fish will not go unnoticed long. For artificials, a weedless gold spoon with a bucktail trailer has been the ticket around Honeymoon Island. This type of fishing is exciting as the redfish streak all over in inches of water.

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 January 13, 2006, 01:46:17]