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Daily fishing report

With some isolated patches of Red Tide lingering in lower Tampa Bay, finding active flats with jumping mullet and diving birds has been the key to successful fishing. Redfish, snook and some spotted sea trout have been mixing with and following schooling mullet, feeding on pinfish, shrimp or whatever else gets scared out of the grass beds.

Using a variety of artificial baits often is more productive simply because you can cover more water. This also allows you to keep the lure or jig closer to the fish longer, enticing a strike response. As the water temperature begins to drop, fish are not as aggressive to feed and become more opportunistic, so a slower, more deliberate presentation is required.

Curly tailed soft-bodied jigs, artificial shrimp and 4- to 5-inch jerk baits offer lots of movement and are easy to control in 3 to 6 feet. A one-eighth-ounce jig head is perfect for allowing a slower and more natural presentation. Fish pick up or strike the jig while it is falling 90 percent of the time. Using light spinning tackle and a 7-foot rod with 8- to 10-pound class line will allow the sensitivity to feel strikes better. Fluorocarbon leader helps significantly in clear water. Use an open loop-style knot on your jig so it can move and wiggle freely. Cinch-type knots tend to restrict the jig's natural action.

- Capt. Dan Brooks charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 867-7856 or by e-mail at captaindan@baysbestcharters.com.

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