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Captain's Corner: Go for redfish, trout north of Clearwater

 
Published March 9, 2015

Redfish and trout are the ticket when fishing north of Clearwater. The trout are hanging close to the spoil islands. Look for the reds around Caladesi Island and potholes close to the mainland. This area is known for holding large trout. Most anglers are reporting fewer trout than in years past. If you release trout longer than 20 inches, the area will have a chance to restock. In lower Tampa Bay, trout and redfish action have been good. Trout are running in the 12- to 20-inch class. Most are hanging over the grass piles that are 3 to 4 feet deep. A jig worked close to the bottom will draw the most strikes. Reds have been moving onto the flats during the incoming tide. But they don't seem to be in the same area two days in a row. Your best bet is to scout the normal redfish hangouts and see if they are there. If you find a school, anchor and wait until the reds settle down and start feeding. Sheepshead are moving into the gulf to spawn. This is when you can catch larger ones over hard bottom and artificial reefs. Cut shrimp is the top bait when fishing reefs. It will give you a good shot at catching hogfish as a bycatch.

Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 347-1389.