By Capt. Ray Markham
Posted 11.17.09

Click here for the Capt. "Zach" Zacharias Manatee County Report
 

While during the warm months fish seem to chew during the early hours of the day, it’s not uncommon for different species to turn on as the sun warms the water throughout the day. And this week, that was apparent.

Sharp rising tides in the early morning hours the beginning of the week have fish stirring and actively feeding in the 69-degree water temperature in Terra Ceia Bay. By day’s end, water temperature climbs to a comfortable 74-degrees on the flats. Snook have been aggressive. DOA Shrimp, CAL Jigs with shad tails, MirrOlure MirrOdines, and MirrOlure She Dogs have been amongst the top producers of slot sized snook for us this week. Fish have been in residential canals on the outgoing tide in the morning. Later, as the tide bottoms out and begins to return, these linesiders could be found sunning themselves in potholes on the flats.

The morning snook bite has on top water lures. As the sun gets up, we’re dredging the bottom with CAL Jigs and allowing our DOA Shrimp or MirrOdine lures to sink close to the bottom before beginning the retrieve.

Michelle Richmond and Chris Trout, of Palmetto caught a variety of fish on Sunday. Michelle landed a 9 ½ pound redfish in Terra Ceia bay while fishing a CAL Jig with a shad tail. A big snook broke her off on the same lure. In all, they caught and released dozens of trout, redfish, flounder, snook, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and an assortment of lizards, kitties, and puffers to round out their day.

Reds were found on shallow flats at mid-day over dark bottom. Sizes ranged from the upper slot and over.

Til then...catch ya later!

Capt. Ray Markham
(941) 723-2655
E-mail: flatback@tampabay.rr.com