The spring season is exploding across the Panhandle inshore waters. Water temperatures have risen to the low 80s and bait is back in all varieties. The water clarity continues to improve and game fish are responding aggressively.
Chrome Skitter Walk topwater plugs continue to trigger explosive surface strikes from redfish and speckled trout. The reds range from mid-slot to well over. Prime depths are two feet or less in mixed bottom. The trout are feeding in the same zones. DOA gold glitter shrimp are also attracting attention. I have been rigging them with a 2/0 light-wire circle hook through the nose and adding a RattleSnake rattle for added attraction.
Mullet of all sizes, pilchards, needlefish and glass minnows are getting thick again. There are a lot of rays feeding along the bottom and big jack crevalle are hunting in packs along the shorelines. Competition between fish usually results in a strike on any fast-moving offering, but be ready with a fully spooled reel and plenty of patience. The fights are protracted with jacks on light tackle.
There have been a couple reports of tarpon pods cruising from west to east off Pensacola Beach Pier. That easterly movement is typical for May. More fish should be reversing course and heading towards Dauphin Island and beyond in the next few weeks. When that happens, be on the lookout for more silver kings popping up inside the bays.
The weekend outlook is very encouraging. With nearly two feet of water exchange between the negative late night lows and afternoon highs, the solunar periods peak during the pre-dawn and sunrise hours. There will be another window for a couple hours before sunset with the waxing crescent moon. Anglers who are in position for those periods at prime spots should enjoy good action.
Redfish are being released in coastal counties throughout the state in anticipation of the 2022 Coastal Conservation Association Florida STAR tournament. Tagged redfish can win several boat/outboard/trailer packages for adult and junior anglers. Tons of other great prize packages are up for grabs. The younger crowd also has a chance to win college scholarships. New this year is the ALTA Equipment Company special prize of $50,000 if a Super-STAR-Tagged redfish is caught. You have to be a CCA member and registered beforehand to win prizes. Fishing starts Memorial Day Weekend and continues through Labor Day Weekend. To register or learn more information, please visit ccaflstar.com.
Copyright 2022, Capt. Dave Lear.
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