The redfish bite moved up a notch over the past week. They are gathering up around the mangrove islands on the higher tides and are feeding on live shrimp, either free lined or on a jig. It may take several stops to find them, but once found there should be quite a few in the same area.
The sheepshead are getting bigger and bigger. Most of the ones landed over the past week were in the 2 to 3 pound range with a few over 5. Even the big ones are great bait stealers so if you start getting lots of hits with nothing to show for it, downsize your hooks and shrimp offerings and try again.
Sea trout are back on the flats. The rising water has been the best time to go after them using shrimp under a popping cork. Set up a drift to find them and then anchor up when they start hitting. They’ve been pocketed up so do your best to stay on them once found. You’ll also find pompano along with quite a few ladyfish and jacks in the same area.
The nearshore reefs, rock piles and edges are giving up some good size sheepshead, sea trout and a few flounder on the bottom with a mix of spanish mackerel, bluefish and bonita on top. Keep your eye out for cruising cobia and have a rod ready with a live shrimp or crab. We are starting to see quite a few of them near the crab pot buoys.
