Captain's Corner

By NEIL TAYLOR
Published October 31, 2007

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What's hot: A drop in water and air temperature marks a period when targeting speckled trout becomes easy. It also marks a time when the harvest of this species closes in the South Region. At midnight, speckled trout must be released if you are fishing south of the Pinellas/Pasco county line. The species reopens for harvest Jan. 1.

Tackle: Medium light spinning tackle, light leader line and an assortment of lures are all you need. Bending down the barbs of your hooks makes releasing these fish unharmed easier. A dehooking tool will allow you to get the lures out of the fish while leaving the trout in the water.

Techniques: Speckled trout will be on deeper grass beds, in sandy holes in the middle of grass beds and at the mouths of creeks and rivers. Select a time when there is good current flow. Low light conditions remain a good option, early or late. Make long casts and move your lures at a steady or slow speed, keeping it near the bottom.

Neil Taylor charters kayak fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area and can be reached at (727) 692-6345.