seatrout

Robbie caught a bunch of reds, trout and other critters too. He was surprised that a quality trout would stoop so low as to gobble up a chunk of cut ladyfish!

One of the perks of being a fishing guide for a very long time is forming lasting relationships with key players within the industry. On a breezy morning this week I was joined by just such a person who was looking for an opinion on a couple of prototype lures. Also on board was a mutual friend who is not a guide but has a plethora of flats fishing experience borne of competitive angling.

While I’m sworn to secrecy and I know this comes off as a tease, three of the four prototypes we tested received the big “thumbs-up” from us while one prototype got the “don’t waste any more time or money” opinion.

The morning started off a tad breezy and the wind steadily increased throughout our trip. The bite was slow and with a barometric pressure of 30.35 inches it was pretty much expected. I’ll talk more about these interesting lures AFTER this July’s ICAST show when the new production becomes available!

The redfish and trout are feeding well at first light. Well placed three inch Z-Man Minnowz and four inch Curly Tailz are catching plenty. These fish are up skinny on hard sandy bottom interlaced with any type of ground cover. Because the water is clean and clear they tend to be quite spooky.

Approaching them with stealth is a must and we’re having the best luck poling and fishing INTO the sun. I realize this tactic sounds a little “fishy,” but since I can’t see into the water at first light anyway, this approach keeps our shadows behind us and not between the boat and our prey!

Even though the fish are a bit on the spooky side, they will eat while on the move. That’s what’s been working for us; we’re casting at reds and trout as they slowly move away from the vessel. Being super quiet and not rocking the boat as the angler casts the lure certainly helps improve our success.

When in doubt, bait it out! If long and accurate casts are out of the question do not fret; chunk bait is the answer! Cut mullet and cut ladyfish can save your day. Tie on a 3/0 circle hook to a length of twenty pound fluorocarbon leader adding a shot or one eighth ounce egg singer “knocker style” if its windy and you’re ready to catch. Toss the chunks out into the general area of fish activity and wait… it won’t take long.