Advertisement

Captain's Corner: Redfish a hot topic

 
Tim Whitfield
Tim Whitfield
Published Sept. 18, 2014

What to catch: Redfish dominate the conversation at the dock, mostly talk of where they are and what they are eating. Cut pinfish and live sardines are top choices. As the fish see more pressure, cut bait becomes the "choice" bait. As the season wears on, look for fish in places that are more out of the way and seeing little or no pressure.

Spanish mackerel were on fire this past week, with some pushing 6 pounds. Reefs, shoals and deep grass flats are holding these toothy critters. Live sardines are hard for these ravenous fish to turn away from. It takes about 15-20 minutes to chum live sardines in, but once you do, it's steady action until the tide quits or your anglers say uncle.

Snapper are still around, feeding well on shrimp and small sardines. Bridge and dock pilings are holding fish. The better the current flow, the better the bite.

Snook are making their way back into the bushes and estuaries. In preparation for winter, they are eating well on the strongest parts of the tides. Look for deep-water mangrove shorelines, creek mouths and mangrove points. Snook are ambush predators, and a point with deep water is a perfect spot to attack.

Tim Whitfield can be reached at (813) 714-0889 or tim@swiftfishcharters.com.