Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

A long stretch of offshore winds has made for some crystal clear water along area beaches. Droves of small baitfish have funneled into the swash channel where they can be cast netted by the hundreds. Spanish mackerel, spotted sea trout, ladyfish and redfish are keyed in on these small baits right now and the bite has been excellent at times.

Low morning tides are perfect for condensing baitfish and predator fish alike. Setting up on the outer edges of the flats and fishing out to deeper water will provide non-stop action when chumming with live baits. Medium/light action rods with a soft tip are necessary to get a good cast off with the small baits and reels spooled with light braid will further assist in the effort. Light wire long shank hooks and a thirty pound fluorocarbon leader are really all you need for the terminal end of things.

Redfish numbers are strong all along the Intercoastal waterway right now. Outer edge drop offs that are holding mullet will also attract schools of redfish. As the tide rises look for those big no-motor zone flats that have a good mullet population to give away where the redfish might be holding. Drifting and fan casting gold spoons through the mullet has been productive lately. Once an area of fish has been located, putting out a spread of cut lady fish or tail trimmed pinfish can be deadly. Its all catch and release fishing for redfish, snook and trout in our region so be sure to land the fish quickly and handle them as little as possible to insure a good release.
Capt. Tyson Wallerstein
Flats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868