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Captain's Corner: Don't skimp on shrimp

 
Published Feb. 2, 2016

Fishing should be pretty good today before Thursday's front. We seem to be getting a front push down about every seven days. While the water temperature is holding around 59 degrees, wind keeps the water cloudy. This can make it pretty difficult to find fish and most fish will either move shallow or go deeper. They are not happy with sand flowing through their gills. Fishing docks, especially on windy days, can be productive. When it is just too windy or too cold to throw the net for sardines, turn to shrimp, which is a great bait to fall back on this time of year. Anglers would be hard pressed to find fish that will not turn their head up at a shrimp. On that same note, it brings species into play that won't eat a sardine. Sheepshead and small black drum are loaded on canal docks this time of year. You can also expect redfish in the same area. Use either a 1/0 hook with a split shot or one-eighth ounce jig head when fishing the docks. For a lot of action when there is little wind, fish any structure. Whether you pick bridges, rock piles, or even shipping channel markers throughout the bay, silver trout should be all over them. These are really good eating and there are no limits on them.

Mike Gore charters out of Tampa Bay. Call him at (813) 390-6600 or visit tampacharters.com.