Spring patterns have arrived and the fishing in north Pinellas is very productive. The trout bite is strong and they are still being targeted on most trips. However, live sardines have become more difficult to catch in recent days since passing the full moon phase. Pinfish have been a good substitute when sardines are scarce. As warm weather continues, bait should return on the flats and beaches in coming days. Redfish have turned on recently, with larger fish moving into the area. Observing mullet schools moving towards the mangroves on incoming tides have produced the most fish lately. Once the tides rise, the fish move into the mangroves along the roots and forage. Cut pieces of pinfish, sardines, threadfins and even ladyfish will attract fish to your area. Moving quietly and slowly is imperative to success when redfishing. On a recent trip, I spotted a redfish moving slowly into the mangroves from just in front of an overhanging branch. I positioned the boat out few yards from that area and began to skip cut baits under the same branch. As suspected several redfish were holding there as well and multiple hook ups occurred. Snook have also begun to eat more consistently. They are staging in transitional areas along the spoil islands from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs. Larger live baits have gotten the most strikes. Although we are experiencing a small cold front, the weather should stabilize again in the next few days. Spring weather will continue to produce good fishing including the return of spanish mackerel and kingfish on nearshore reefs.
- Captains Corner - March 23, 2024
- Brian Caudill - March 4, 2024
- Brian Caudill - December 5, 2023
