Captain’s Corner: Brent Gaskill

The Tampa Bay Times

Capt. Brent Gaskill
 
 
 

        Seasonal changes in our weather also equates to seasonal changes in fish behaviors.  What we know as Fall or Spring is referred to as “transitional” in the world of fishing.  These are periods when our resident fish begin to change locations from their summer homes to their winter homes.  This movement often coincides with migratory species that are simply passing through our area but are not permanent residents. Several factors can trigger these movements including cold fronts, water temperatures, food availability, moon phases, and the duration of daylight hours.  Sometimes fish may stay in one location for a week or two, and sometimes it may only be a day or two.  Understanding these movements can lead to increased catches on a consistent basis.  Generally I begin a trip where I caught fish on the previous outing.  If they are not present, I begin to systematically adjust until they are found again.  Popular inshore targets this time of year include redfish, snook, trout, flounder, and snapper.  Occasionally these species can all be caught from the same location.