A spring hiatus to construct a brick wash rack for the boat barn has limited reports of late. But that project is complete and a couple recent trips to check out some local spots has helped define the late-spring action.
East Bay and the recently-constructed oyster reefs there and in Blackwater Bay are rapidly becoming mullet magnets. Mullet of all sizes are massed around the rock piles in huge quantities. Hopefully it won’t be long for the oysters to get firmly re-established and start the food chain. The water clarity is fairly good around the reefs and will only improved once the bi-valves start their filtering process. Red and black drum were prevalent this winter in good numbers and the game fish should take up more regular residence as time goes on.
Further west, Big Lagoon is clear as usual and bait is thick. Redfish, trout and flounder are the prime targets here, although sharks and jacks are regular visitors now as well. The usual offerings like Rapala Skitter Walks or Heddon Super Spooks will entice strikes, particularly in low-light conditions. As the sun gets higher and the ambient temperatures rise, switch to mid-column presentations with soft-plastic jerk baits or shrimp imitations. Add a heavier jig head or use a weedless worm hook to work the bottom depths of 1 to 5 feet or so. Ladyfish, bluefish and the occasional pompano or Spanish mackerel are also around now.
One hundred sixty tagged redfish have been released in coastal counties throughout the state in anticipation of the 2023 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 also up for grabs. The younger crowd also has a chance to win college scholarships. Te ALTA Equipment Company special prize of $50,000 if a Super-STAR-Tagged redfish is caught is back again this year. Offshore anglers have a change for 1 $10,000 cash prize if they catch one of the Tigress Outrigger and Gear-sponsored dolphin. You have to be a CCA member and registered beforehand to win prizes. Fishing starts Memorial Day Weekend (May 27) and continues through Labor Day Weekend (September 4). To register or learn more information, please visit ccaflstar.com.
Copyright 2023, Capt. Dave Lear
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