It’s going to be interesting to see how Spring comes in this year.
As you all know, the winter has been very mild. Speckled Trout are on the flats with Gulf water temps in the 60’s. I still find the bigger Trout near a creek ditch or pothole. But remember, if you flush them, it’s over. So approach to within casting distance quietly. Cast your Saltwater Assassin 1/16 oz jighead with an Assassin 5″ shad to the far side of the pot hole or ditch and let it sink without to much slack, so you can feel the strike as it falls. If it’s windy, watch your line to detect strike.
Now I know this all sounds complicated, but when it works you will be raising your minimum keeper size to 16″ or 17″ inches. Or the luxury problem, having to move to find smaller fish to finish your limit, because everything in the hole was over 20″s !
My customers and I have caught more Redfish on the flats this winter than I can ever remember winters past. It does take the right day. By that I mean high tide 11 am or later, sunny and warm, not too windy. The reds will come out and play. I use the same bait I cast for Trout mentioned above. Again, a slow retrieve is the only way you’ll get bite.
This kind a fishing does require some recon, a GPS and polarized sun glasses but can be most rewarding.
At this writing there have been some great Sheepshead catches at the Steinhatchee reef.
GOD BLESS, Good Fishing and Be Safe
Captain STEVE KROLL
This Steinhatchee Fishing Report is from Steinhatchee, Fishing Guide Captain Steve Kroll
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