Outdoors

Captain's Corner

Longer days and warm weather are here, and so are spring redfish. Large groups are returning to the flats and are eager to cooperate. Look for mullet schools, because there are usually reds in the same area.

By DAVE WALKER
Published February 27, 2007

Longer days and warm weather are here, and so are spring redfish. Large groups are returning to the flats and are eager to cooperate. Look for mullet schools, because there are usually reds in the same area.

Upper Tampa Bay and the Weedon Island preserve are consistent regions for action. These places have miles of mangrove shoreline which provide food and habitat for many species of plants, fish, and animals.

A smooth drag system is important for shallow water redfish. They have the tenacity of a bulldozer and will pull out the drag. They tend to have long runs, as opposed to the reds that hang out in deeper water. A drop of oil here and there and regular servicing will add to the life of your reel and equate to more fish caught.

Live shrimp are the bait of choice. Greenbacks are available, but shrimp seem to be preferred. A float rig, just a float and a hook, is a simple rig but incredibly effective.

Scaled sardines are in the Gandy channel. A bottom machine can locate deep bait schools, which appear as a big mass when you pass over them. Let the net sink to the bottom. It can be risky, especially with new nets, because debris can ruin them. In deep water, it is sometimes necessary to add another rope, a technique known as "add a rope and hope."

[Last modified February 26, 2007, 23:12:38]