The lengthy summer over, the big trout of winter are here and will be an option for the next six months. Also for the next six months (at least) trout remain closed. A reaction to Red Tide, the closure of all the inshore game species will be an interesting test. What doesn’t help the test: People who ignore the closure and illegally keep these species. It’s too bad, it would be great to see what the closure and zero harvest would do for our fishery.
Trout are not hard to find and not hard to catch. Our easiest to find fish, they are also the easiest to get to eat a lure. Live baits work but are unnecessary. Topwater lure are the best way to tempt the biggest trout. Use topwaters in shallower situations, three feet of depth or less. Deeper trout spots use the 1/8-ounce jighead with your favorite plastic tail. Use light tackle, light leader and light lures. The opportunities on rising tides are tough to ignore. Negative low tides at sunrise and incoming tides equals great trout opportunities. Speckled trout are always found over grass. Turtle grass is best. Work lures slow and let the fish peck at your lures until they hit the hook. In this region, all must be released so it is not a bad idea to bend your barbs down to help with faster release and less injury to the fish.
Trout spawn year-round so their numbers should explode with a zero harvest policy for six more months In my opinion, I don’t think they needed the help but it will be interesting to see if this helps to promote a trophy trout fishery in our region. Enjoy a species that should grow to a new prominence.
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
