The past week has been windy and busy enough that I didn’t get in the ocean. Sight fishing the flats right next to the mangroves for 15-30 inch reds has been productive when the sun is out in the afternoon tucked up from the breezy east winds. They have been surprisingly spooky too.

It is still possible to find them when it’s cloudy because the water has cleared up in all but a few bad patches. I do better when it’s either completely sunny or overcast. I find that the constant light changes on partly cloudy days makes it hard for my eyes to adjust for sight fishing.

I use light to medium spinning gear with 10lb super slick braid. It’s important to have thin diameter line to cast lightweight baits or lures. Leader size depends on clarity, but in most cases 3-4ft of 20lb fluorocarbon works well. If the water is clear and it’s bright out, don’t be afraid down to 12lb fluorocarbon. The fish have been primarily feeding on glass minnows, silversides, and baby sandperch, so the smaller the bait the better. Small pieces of shrimp on a 2/0 circle hook is the best bait choice right now. Fly fishing would certainly be productive too.

To find the redfish to throw at, pushpole as silently as you can going slow. Travel parallel to shore staying within casting and sighting reach of shore. Don’t get too close or you’ll spook the fish! Not all shoreline is equal. Depth of 6-18 inches in the mangroves is ideal, but having a drop-off just out from shore helps. Mangroves that have a lot of shade hold more fish than trimmed mangroves in residential areas. Wakes, ripples, and surface explosions can indicate the presence of one or more fish. Areas with glass minnows, other small baits, or finger mullet are also more likely to be productive.

When you see red(s), it’s important to stay as far away as you can accurately cast. Cast at least 10ft ahead of the fish. It’s important not too cast too close or use something heavy because that would spook the fish. I often cast too far so I can slowly reel it back to the fish. Move and talk as little and silently as possible.

It’s important to handle them with care and practice catch and release with the current state of our lagoon.

I caught a small snook that my GoPro decided not to record on the smallest mullet I could find. I had several 12-24in trout hit other mullet that evening, but I didn’t catch any.