Except for a couple cooler nights predicted for the upcoming holiday weekend, the extended forecast is calling for pleasant daytime temperatures and moderate winds. That, combined with current inshore water temperatures in the upper 60s, means the spring season is starting early and the fish are responding accordingly.
Good catches were reported last weekend and earlier this week. Fish continue to frequent the shoreline flats and protected spots in the tidal creeks and coastal rivers. There might be a slight adjustment as the temperatures dip a bit with the approaching cold front. But it should only be a temporary hiccup.
A variety of lures are working right now. With higher tides and afternoon sun topwater plugs like Heddon Super Spooks, MirrOlure Top Dog and Rapala Skitter Walks are proving irresistible to quality trout. Wiggly swim baits rigged weedless with worm hooks are another good choice, along with shrimp lures like the DOA variety or Sureketch touts. Pearl or gold patterns are triggering the most interest lately. Real shrimp or fiddler crabs are the top baits for sheepshead, which are plentiful now around most structure, manmade or natural. Don’t be surprised to find a flounder or black sea bass on the end of the line, either.
Redfish are roaming the shallows in singles, pairs and sizable groups. Those same swim baits mentioned earlier are enticing to reds, but it’s hard to beat an ADL weedless spoon in gold or watermelon. The smaller 1/4-ounce size matches the bait for the time of year and lands softly to avoid scaring the intended target.
The ‘tweener moon phase this long weekend won’t offer much in the way of tidal flow. Only a foot of water will be exchanged between the morning high just before dawn before falling out around the lunch hour. If you only have a limited time to go, the best slot would be the first couple hours each day as the moon is up. A lesser high activity window will occur during the lunch hour as the moon sets. Water will flow in all afternoon before cresting again in the early evening hours.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.