Captains Corner: Equipment is key for cold-water wading

Weather: Cold fronts passing through every four days will push water out of the bay on low tides, exposing every sandbar at the edge of every flat. Take advantage and look for cuts in the bars. Fish have no choice but to use these cuts on extreme lows as their route on and off the flats.

Gear: Neoprene waders are a must when water temperatures go below 65 degrees. Wading boots provide protection against stingrays. Another important item is a wading belt. It allows anglers to carry an extra rod, a small tackle box and, most important, it slows water from entering the waders if you slip or fall.

Tackle: I prefer a 7-foot rod and a 30 series reel loaded with 10-pound braided line. The light braid allows long casts with the wind, which covers more area when blind-casting. A 6-foot, 20-pound camouflage leader keeps reds from seeing the braided line in the clear water. A red, quarter-ounce jig rigged with a root beer-colored tail is hard to beat. It imitates a small crustacean, a favorite of redfish.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visit captainrobgorta.com.