Redfish
Within the bays and sounds that surround Charlotte harbor, redfish have evolved to become one of the most abundant gamefish on our flats. They grow relatively quick and after the first year they’re over a foot long. They’re primarily a bottom feeder and will readily eat a shrimp pattern but also seem to really like the Puglisi baitfish patterns as well. In addition to being abundant, they’re also a good year round bite. They tolerate the cold and tend to hang out under the mangroves during the heat of Summer. In October, spawning season, the big bull reds come in from offshore and school up on the flats making for some good fly fishing.
Early January 2021 observations
Although the last couple days have been warm, there are some cool temperatures on the horizon next week. Last week, cool water temperatures in the 50's left our redfish a bit lethargic as many could be seen lying in the sun way off the shoreline trying to warm up. We...
Move like a heron
Last week, while spending a few days fishing for redfish in a smaller bay within Tampa bay it became quite clear just how sensitive or aware the fish were to the movement of anything that moved too quickly above the water such as a rod during something as simple as a...
A few observations while working winter’s low tides
We’ve sure been having some low tides this past month. It can be intimidating what many refer to as puddle jumping but can also provide some good fishing as fish get locked up or stuck in the deeper depressions on the flats waiting on water to rise. Basically, when...