Well we’ve made it through the first real cold spell of fall. Surprisingly, many of our inshore fish in North Pinellas didn’t move too far from where they were prior to the fronts. There are still plenty of male snook in the beach troughs around the passes and the inside cuts of the barrier islands. Redfish that had joined the snook in these areas are also still present. However, the dip in water temperature has slowed their metabolism of many fish, preventing them from feeding as often. Their appetite is increased with the heat of the day, typically late morning through the early afternoon as the sun heats the shallow waters. Spotted seatrout are still very plentiful on the edges of the flats in 3 to 6 feet of water. Luckily, some live bait schools have remained on the beach for castnetting, although artificials or working very good for the trout. 1/8 ounce to 1/4 ounce jig heads and chartreuse and white soft plastic tails are working well. Shrimp imitation jigs are also getting attacked when worked slowly near the grassy bottom. Redfish are also plentiful on the flats yet stubborn. Soaking cut baits in potholes adjacent to oyster beds have resulted in a good number of fish lately, but patience is definitely necessary. Although the fish are within sight, in the very clear water, they are reluctant to eat. Heavy chumming with live bait has worked for redfish, also bringing in stingrays, ladyfish and other nearby species.
- Captains Corner - March 23, 2024
- Brian Caudill - March 4, 2024
- Brian Caudill - December 5, 2023
