Weather good for Redfish and Trout

Weather is good for redfish and trout over the next day and a half on Clearwater Fishing Charters. The water temps are beginning to creep up again in north Pinellas and fishing has been fantastic. The main targets have been spotted sea trout, redfish and sheepshead. Trout have been responding well to live shrimp under a cork with a few feet of leader or freelined close to the bottom. Clear waters requires downsizing tackle. 20 lb leader and a #1 or 1/0 hook is working the best. The spoil islands along the intercoastal are attracting several anglers as usual for this time of year. Be sure to move around quietly and give everyone ample space when maneuvering to your spot. Redfish have been holding under the docks and along seawall oyster beds. I use a split shot at the hook to keep my shrimp pinned in one location and wait for a consistent pull. Circle hooks allow the fish to set the hook perfectly in the corner of the mouth, eliminating the need for the angler to do the setting. Also low tide potholes along the flats have produced a few redfish. They are ranging from 17 to 24 inches in these areas.

Sheepshead and Silver Trout

Sheepshead are inhabiting the docks also , as well as any rock piles and jetties. The mitigation reefs south of Sand Key have held sheepies along with silver trout. Once you have found a couple silver trout to bite in these deeper waters you can make a day of catching them. They are also great table fare this time of year. When the weather good for redfish and trout I usually don’t target the silvers. The sea trout are mush bigger and are an easier fish to find this time of year.