Guide bites
Capt. Josh Fritz (352-345-9304): Capt. Josh says the warming that began last week was most welcomed and sparked the action. Trout have been a high point, with some big fish on hard-bottom points where there is limestone. His anglers have been connecting on white, soft-plastic flukes nose-hooked on a 4/0 circle hook in 1 to 3 feet of water. Most of the redfish he’s finding are inside creeks, though with more warming we should see more on the outside. He’s been doing best on those with live pinfish or live chubs. Offshore, the big, spawning sheepshead are stacked on rock bottom as shallow as 8 feet of water out to 35 feet. Live shrimp on the bottom gets them. The mangrove snapper bite is solid, starting in 35 feet of water with live shrimp. The hogfish bite starts around that depth, as well, though moving deeper produces more and bigger fish.
Capt. Matt Cowden (727-534-6603): Capt. Matt reports that the great sheepshead bite inshore continues, with fish around structure like rocks, docks and bars. Like sheepshead, the black drum are a great option at this time of year, and their habits are much the same, with rocks and oyster bars, along with creeks and shallow backwaters good places to find them. Live shrimp is a good bait, though chunks of crab also are great. Warming last week saw the trout bite pick up, with jigs rigged with soft plastics taking fish on the flats and deeper holes. Redfish perked up, as well, taking the jigs or live pinfish.
Tackle shop roundup
The Rusty Bucket (727-645-6598): Capt. Bill reports the redfish have started to school in many spots up and down the Pasco coastline. Fish are on the open, shallow flats, as well as around the mouths of creeks. Most have been large, with many at the top of the slot size or oversized. Live pinfish have been working very well, but fresh cut bait also takes them. He describes the bite as “solid action.” He’s been finding some nice-size trout mingling with the reds, but they also are hanging out in deeper holes on the flats and in channels leading into many residential waterfront neighborhoods. His top fish-getter has been a 3-inch, soft plastic swim bait, but select, live shrimp also gets it done nicely. Offshore, the big, spawning sheepshead and hungry and taking live shrimp readily. They are on rocky bottom in 25 to 49 feet of water. These are “monster fish,” he said, adding that the key is keeping the bait directly on the bottom. The spawn runs through March, and anglers have a change at the biggest sheepshead of the year…