Warming conditions has help bring the anglers out and fish to start biting. Although we’re not out of the woods yet with the cold weather every day our air temperature reaches north of 60 degrees it helps the fishery. Not allot has changed from last weeks report, most of the action is still in the rivers. Snook are the most prevalent in the spring fed waters but for fish that are legal to keep for diner move west towards the Gulf and try different points that are near the channel edges with shrimp on a 1/8th oz. jig head. Black drum, redfish, sheepshead and the occasional trout will be in these spots. Be patience and stick with it for a 1/2 hour. I experienced a great river sheepshead bite this past week during the last hour of the out going tide, soon as the tide turned in the bite shut down. River fishing on the outgoing tide during cold weather is best because it is pulling warmer spring fed water toward the Gulf warming eddies, pockets and holes along the way. When the incoming tide pushes cold Gulf water up the river sometimes it has a tendency to shut down a good bite.
The incoming tide is better when fished on the outside near the flats, keys and near shore rocks. The near shore rocks are holding some nice sheepshead on the incoming tide, live shrimp is the best bait. It’s possible that the rocks sticking up on low tide during the morning low tide will collect enough heat that when the high tide covers them during the middle of the day that trout and redfish will seek out they’re warmth. This is a fun bite and can last until late spring. A quiet approach with a push pole is best and cast a soft plastic jerk bait in glow for best results. Look for incoming tide this weekend midday.
- Nature Coast - March 23, 2024
- William Toney - February 29, 2024
- Nature Coast - February 14, 2024
