By Tyson Wallerstein, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
What's hot: Big tides following the new moon will have redfish and trout on the feed this week. Start on the morning low tide to target mullet schools that are pushed to the edge of the flats as they wait for the tide to come in.
Tactics: Set up for the longest possible cast to reach the fish. Top-water walking lures are deadly in this situation; fan cast the area until you pick up a fish. Once a productive area has been found, switch to subsurface twitch baits, such as a Sebile Stick Shad. These lures are less likely to spook the fish and are just as productive.
Before you leave: If your fishing slows, cast out fresh-caught (but dead) threadfins on the bottom where you believe fish are holding. This will usually get a few more bites.
High-tide approach: Once the water is covering the mangrove roots, target oyster clumps along the shoreline. Wind might dirty the water close to the shoreline, so knowledge of the land will give you an advantage. High-tide fishing has been mostly a dead-bait situation. Fresh threadfins work great, and ladyfish, pinfish and mullet work as well. Work along the shoreline with the wind at your back, targeting points and coves that have the highest concentrations of mullet.
Tyson Wallerstein runs Inshore Fishing Charters in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area and can be reached at (727) 692-5868 or via e-mail at capt.tyson@hotmail.com.