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By WADE OSBORNE
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 14, 2001
While most inshore fish flee the soaring water temperatures in August, on the grass flats, one species remains: redfish. As the most tolerant to changing water temperature, the redfish is a favorite year-round quarry. Schools of reds move onto grass flats as the tide starts to rise, feeding on crabs, pinfish and shrimp.
When looking for redfish, focus on these key indicators: reds tailing as they feed; head-wakes from their movement; or birds feeding, which signals baitfish. Schools of jumping mullet mean redfish could be present. Reds mingle with mullet to feed on whatever flushes from their path.
Techniques for connecting with reds vary, but a silent approach is paramount. Use a trolling motor, the wind, or get out of the boat and push it to close the distance. I like to anchor near an oyster bed adjoining the grass flat if possible and chum using live.
This time of year, catches of scaled sardine baits vary in size. Use the smaller ones for chum and the larger ones for the hook. Hooked pinfish in the 3-inch range also are effective on redfish. Corked baits on a size 1 or 1/0 circle wide hook keep them out of the grass and in sight of these predators. Once the cork goes under, slowly set the hook. Lower the rod tip and reel up all of the slack in the line before lifting the rod to set.
The remainder of this week will offer excellent early to midday high tides to explore grass flats for redfish. Take advantage of it.
-- Capt. Wade Osborne operates Afishionado Guide Services out of Tampa and can be reached at (888) 402-3474 or by e-mail at wade@wadefish.com.