Captain’s Corner: Tyson Wallerstein

The Tampa Bay Times

Rough weather leaves few options for wetting a line. Residential canals aren’t exactly the prettiest of places to fish however they do hold fish this time of year. Finding a stretch of productive docks that is protected from a north wind will pay off when fishing right after a cold front moves through.

Sheepshead, black drum and redfish are all very cold tolerant fish and can all be found patrolling dock pilings and seawalls right now. Residential canals and marinas offer protection from the wind and if the sun is shining will be a little warmer than the choppy open water areas. Smooth water close to a south facing seawall will warm quickly with the mid-day sun. Fishing with live shrimp and or fiddler crabs along the edges of docks or potentially right off of the seawall if fish are spotted cruising the sand can be productive. These spots might lack the beauty that we search for as anglers but they do serve a purpose.

 Pinfish stocks are good out there right now, so be prepared to go thru some shrimp. Spending a few extra dollars on bait will make a difference. When your working the canals resist the temptation to constantly real in and check your bait when the pinfish are pecking away at it. Its that constant activity around your shrimp that draws the attention of the redfish, drum and sheepshead and even if there’s only a little shrimp left on the hook it will be enough to draw a strike.

Capt. Tyson Wallerstein
Flats Monster Inshore Fishing
(727) 692-5868
capt.tyson@hotmail.com
www.Flatsmonster.com