What's hot: Blustery conditions are especially frustrating this time of year. Howling winds and near-record low air temperatures have complicated fishing in Tampa Bay. Fishing was great last week, but now we have to wait a few days to get back to stellar springtime fishing. Trout and redfish do not mind cooler weather. Both species are cooperating nicely. Trout are still in somewhat deeper water than usual, and reds are on the flats and residential canals.
Tip: Live shrimp work wonders when it is chilly. Other than an occasional puffer fish or needlefish, shrimp can be deadly on flats for reds. On a recent trip, we were fishing with shrimp and crushing the reds while a swarm of other boats around us were fishing with live sardines and having little luck.
Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call (813) 310-6531, email captdavewalker@verizon.net or visit snookfish.com.