Several anglers have been reporting that the water temperature in the harbor has finally moved into the 70s. They have also observed that birds are now diving on bait fish in large numbers. That is a sure sign that fish are schooling up, and chasing bait and the actual bite by many species has finally begun.
Along the bars to the north of Burnt Store Marina, a good number of cobia have been feeding in 3 to 5 feet of water. The big guys have not yet shown up in large numbers, but by the time this article is published they will have shown up.
Speckled sea trout have moved into the remaining grass flats, and are favoring feeding along the outside of sand holes. Even the smaller sand holes are now holding fish. Three-inch gulf shrimp in new penny color, dragged along the bottom, seem to be a good bait selection. A short hop along the bottom attracts trout, flounder, and a few redfish.
The back bay of the Two Pines area on a moving tide have produced good catches of smaller snook. Casting into the shadows of the mangroves has moved these fish out to make the bite. Don’t pass up drop-off areas along the shore, as this area is holding both snook and redfish. Pinfish seem to be the best bait for these fish. If you can find white bait, this bait fish also works well.
*Don’t pass up drop-off areas along th shore, as this area is holding both snook and redfish. Pinfish seem to be the best bait for these fish.
Bull Bay has also come alive on the outgoing tide. If you can find what is left of the grass to the north end of the bay, larger redfish have been caught. Live bait is preferred but don’t pass up a smaller surface lure that has a “walk the dog” motion. This has really been getting the strike.
If you see birds working out in the harbor, it is a sign that ladyfish, bluefish and jacks are feeding on live swimming bait. These schools will be moving rapidly, so try to get ahead of the moving school so the fish come to you. A lure that has a two-to-three-foot retrieve usually works very well. Two-inch silver spoons fished with a fast retrieve are also working well when cast to the outside of the moving schools. If spanish mackerel are on the feed, they will prefer a fast-moving tin lure. Be sure to fish with a four or five inch light steel leader if the bite is from mackerel, or you will lose a good number of lures to their sharp teeth. These same schools feeding on the west side of the harbor have also had a few eighteen to twenty-four inch barracuda show up. They will only be there if the water temperature is in the high 70s to low 80s.
If you are a fan of shark fishing, sharks that have left the harbor for warmer water will now be showing up. They can be fished just about anywhere in the harbor. If you can get a chunk of ladyfish under a school of bait fish, black tip and spinner sharks will, for sure, be there. Enjoy the warmer water temperatures and be sure to catch and release.
Tight Lines
