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Captain's corner

By MIKE MANNING

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 17, 2001

Flats fishing has been up and down along with our temperatures. Higher temperatures this week should improve fishing. The fish will begin to come out of their winter holes to seek the warmth of the sun on the shallow flats. They will not travel too far from their safe haven. Look on the flats near power plants, mouths of rivers and creeks.

There have been large schools of jack crevalles, bluefish and ladyfish near Anclote Power Plant. Wait for late afternoon after the sun warms the water. Topwater plugs have been the best bet. I recommend removing all treble hooks except for the back one and smash the barbs down on the remaining hook. This will make releasing the fish easier and safer.

A few pompano have been caught at Anclote Power Plant. Ppompano fishingbasically is being at the right place at the right time. The bite doesn't last long. The action is with small yellow jigs tipped with shrimp.

Trout action has been on the shallow flats in the afternoon near the mouth of creeks and bayous. Plastic jerk baits rigged on a 1/8-ounce jig head and a live shrimp under a popping cork have been the best bets.

- Mike Manning charters out of Port Richey. Call (727) 848-0795.

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