My Wednesday plans to do some beach tarpon scouting were derailed thanks to another erroneous weather forecast. Predicted east winds of five knots were instead west winds gusting up to 15. That’s not a good recipe for open water in a skiff, so I adapted and stayed inshore in Big Lagoon instead. It turned out to be a comical decision.
The water clarity is exceptional right now. It’s also reaching bath tub temperatures. Highs were approaching 84 degrees by early afternoon. That means pre-dawn launches from now on to optimize the best opportunities for success. Bait is thick of all varieties—popping shrimp, mullet of all sizes, glass minnows, bull minnows, pinfish and sardines. The full moon the night before and the weaker solunar periods didn’t lend itself to a banner outing.
I did have several fish on on a chrome Skitter Walk top-water plug—albeit briefly. I need to replace the rubber hooks on it before I go again. I missed several trout and had a big redfish on for about a minute until it plowed into the grass along the bottom and left me with a wad of greenery. A school of jacks also provided short excitement, but one got off when the hooks fouled. A few ladyfish did offer some consolation.
The United States Navy saved the day, however. The Blue Angels precision flight squadron were practicing and I was treated to my own air show. The single aircraft and the formations of four banked and made several low-level passes right overhead while I was fishing. It was quite a treat for this former Airedale and I gave them a thumbs up during one pass. The sight and sounds of freedom are always special to witness.
Redfish have been released in coastal counties throughout the state in anticipation of the 2022 Coastal Conservation Association Florida STAR tournament. The competition starts May 28. 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 https://ccaflstar.com
Copyright 2022, Capt. Dave Lear.
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