The fronts of this week changed the target species, but the fishing is still pretty good with sustained clear water in certain areas. The black drum showed up on the flats, and they have been super cooperative. Look for dark shapes barely moving, and cast dead shrimp in their path for a probable hookup. Gulp shrimp also works, but black drum rival juvenile tarpon for difficulty to get on artificial. The trout action remains pretty good with widespread catches, but a lack of size. Rapala skitterwalks are a great bet early on, and Rapala X-rap subwalks or DOA Cals on worm hooks are the best options during the day in deeper water including some canals now.

Nearshore fishing has been very good when the weather allows. Bull redfish can be caught consistently on cut bait and pogies if you find them. These bull reds in the ocean are far different than the ones in the lagoon. They are genetically different in most cases, lighter colored, and tend to have a larger girth for their length. Even though you may see more boats than inshore, their migratory patterns make them far less pressured than the Lagoon’s breeders.

Bull reds are far from the only target. If you time the tides right with the right bait, the snook will be chewing. Mullet never gives me much luck unlike baits that swim down own their own. Tripletail are showing up, but the size and consistency isn’t that good yet. The beach has been loaded with bigger than normal bluefish and spanish mackerel. Both will take all plugs, spoons, or live baits less than 7 inches long. Ideally, you want to mimic or use a finger mullet. 75-140lb spinner sharks have shown up in the same areas. They will snatch smaller fish off your line, but they also are super fun to catch on heavy spinning gear.