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Outdoors

Lighten up when you hit the shallows

By ED WALKER
Published December 16, 2006

When inshore water temperatures drop below 60 degrees, flats fishing action usually slows down. So far this year, that has not been the case. In fact, many anglers have reported great catches of speckled trout and redfish.

Schools of extra-large speckled trout have been settling in over shallow grass-bottom areas. In some cases the depth is less than 3 feet. Drifting is the best way to locate them. When the water is as clear as it is right now, the fish are spooky and will run from the sound of a trolling motor or outboard. Set up a drift that carries you into the area.

Once a good-sized trout is hooked, slip the anchor over the side and work the area thoroughly. Most of the larger concentrations of fish are made up of good-sized trout, so do not bother anchoring every time you land a 12- or 14-incher.

Osprey can be a big help in pointing out winter trout in shallow water. Although not always a sign of game fish, osprey often focus on speckled trout this time of year. There is no better sign that you are in the right place than a bird of prey snatching a big trout out of the water downwind from you. If you see two or three osprey hovering over one particular section of a flat, line up your next drift in that direction.

Soft-plastic baits rigged with little or no weight are best for shallow-water trout. Too much weight forces you to work the lure quickly to keep it above the grass, and fast action is not what you want for cold-water speckled trout. Long casts are helpful, so keep the line as light as possible. I often drop to 8- or 10-pound test monofilament. With mono, the hook can be tied directly to the line instead of using a leader.

Since these fish are not likely to rip out a lot of line against the drag, I prefer ultralight rods and reels. A 7-foot graphite rod rigged with a 2500 series reel is light enough to work all day and allows the best fight out of a big trout.

Guides from Tarpon Springs to Homosassa continue to report great redfish catches, too. Many of the oyster bars have been holding large numbers of smaller fish, providing steady catch-and-release action. Soaking live shrimp on the bottom with a split shot sinker works well.

Most of the bigger reds have been found out on the open flats at low tide. Sometimes they can be seen tailing, and others they may huddle together in sandy holes or depressions near the edge of the grass. Artificial baits get the nod in these areas since they allow you to cover the largest space in the shortest amount of time. When working the potholes, don't cast into them. This will spook any fish that may be "laid up" there. Unless you are sight-casting to specific fish, always cast you lure past potholes and retrieve them thorough the hole. The sound of a 3/4-ounce spoon hitting the water nearby is all it takes to spook a pod of winter reds.

Areas that hold big schools of mullet are also good places to look for reds. The winter mullet spawn is at its peak right now, bringing together massive quantities of these prolific inshore fish. When a mass of mullet mills around on the flats, redfish often mingle for cover and to feed.

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

[Last modified December 16, 2006, 07:58:59]