Nature Coast

Captain's corner

By CAPT. TROY P. SAPP
Published December 22, 2007

Changing conditions: This past cold front has produced some changing conditions for anglers along the North Suncoast. The high winds along with cold air temperatures have dropped the water temperature by about 10 degrees in just a few days. Look for most of the inshore species to move to deeper waters and up into the rivers and creeks along the coast as well as some of the deeper residential canals.

Tactics: Move slowly with a push pole or trolling motor and work each area by fan casting the deepest spots and be prepared to stop once you get a bite. Many times there will be multiple fish in a small area, and you will catch several fish from a small hole as long as you go undetected.

Trout and redfish will make up the majority of the catches for those making slow presentations. Live shrimp as well as jigs fished on or near the bottom will produce the best results. It's wise to use as little weight as possible to prevent spooking the fish with your cast, and light leaders in the 15-pound test class are a must for this type of fishing. The bites will be subtle because the fish will remain lethargic until they adjust to this sudden drop in water temperatures.

Capt. Troy P. Sapp of Fins and Tails Guide service can be reached at(813) 920-6928.

[Last modified December 21, 2007, 20:46:05]