Brighter days are ahead for anglers

By STEVE BOWLER

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 24, 2001

Things finally are getting back to normal.

Water temperatures are in the upper 60s, and the schools of baitfish are beginning to show up.

All we need is for the fish to turn on and the sport really will be back to what anglers expect. This is the first year in a long time that we actually have had a winter. I'm not saying that's good, but I'm not saying that's bad either.

What it does is make it easier to predict what the fish are going to be doing and where they will be doing it. I think I better explain what I mean.

Cold weather for extended periods of time concentrates the fish in the warmer backwaters of rivers, springs, creeks and canals.

As the water begins to warm, fish start to venture out of the backwaters to staging points. The fish eventually get out on the flats as the water gets in the 70s. Although this has been a rough winter on the fish, it's been even harder on the fisherman. Area guides have said that this has been the worst winter financially they have seen.

The weather has been the cause for lower tourism, but with a little luck, spring is going to be booming.

For now, though, here is a look at what anglers can expect and tips to help strike some luck.

INSHORE -- Look for the trout on the flats on the east side of Anclote Island, the hump on the way to marker No. 10 out of Hudson and the flats in front of Howard Park and Sand Bay.

Fish these areas drifting. Use jigs, spoons, lures and imitation shrimp under a popping cork to catch some bluefish, ladyfish and jacks.

Redfish have been around Green Key, Sand Bay, Gulf Harbors Cannels, the Anclote and Cotee rivers, as well as Fillmans Bayou.

In these areas, try using different techniques, such as live shrimp fished on a jig.

Head hook the shrimp through the tail and work it along the bottom for the best results.

Or, just try soaking the shrimp on the bottom. Doing this will result in some hefty sheepshead and a few mangrove snapper.

You must find feeding spots, such as oyster bars, sand holes in the grass and current flow past the mangroves or some other structures.

OFFSHORE -- Look for the action to pick up in water 45-60 feet deep as the temperature stabilizes every day.

A good color depth finder is a must when trying to locate good concentrations of fish on structure.

Trolling is a good technique when the fish are in a transition from deep to shallow.

FRESH WATER -- Lake Tarpon has been the place to be during the past week, with anglers catching 30-plus bass a day. They may be schools only in the 2-pound range, but with that much action, it's got to be fun.

Some larger bass, 5-7 pounds, are coming from anglers trolling live shiners in 3-7 feet of water.

- Fish Tales Guide Svc Inc. Capt. Steve Bowler can be reached at (727) 861-3474.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright