Outdoors

Captain's Corner

By Doug Hemmer, Times Correspondent
Published February 26, 2008

What's hot:Trout fishing in lower Tampa Bay is the best we have seen in years. Two years of Red Tide killed most trout in that area, but the population has rebounded. Most trout are 12-15 inches, with a few 16-20 inches. This is a good time to release trout that are more than 19 inches. When filleted, most trout that big are filled with roe. These larger trout will help restock this hard-hit area and return the lower part of the bay to one of the best trout fishing areas in the world. This is why you should release larger trout for the next few years.

Tips from a pro: Most trout hang in areas with a mix of grass and potholes. The best depth to target is 3-4 feet. A strawberry jig dragged close to the bottom will draw the most strikes. Cast the jig where grass meets sand. Let the jig drop to the bottom and retrieve it slowly enough to keep the jig next to the bottom. When you feel a strike, use the rod tip to move toward the fish and snap the tip back to set the hook. This will give more hookups than pulling back when you feel a strike.

[Last modified February 25, 2008, 23:01:21]