It’s a guessing game again or at least trial and error as Forgotten Coast anglers will attempt to figure out the latest fish patterns after this week’s Arctic blast. The rains have diluted the salinity in the coastal rivers and the resulting warming trend won’t have many fish stacked way up-stream. The tidal creeks are still the best bet, but it probably won’t hurt to check out the flats near creeks or oyster bars and mud flats around the river mouths that drain into the bay.
Gusty winds kept most boats on the trailer recently, even on the Monday holiday. The bite had been good prior, mainly in the eastern portion of Apalachee Bay. Those who ventured out were doing well on redfish, some trout and sheepshead. Live shrimp has been the most productive offering, but soft-plastic jerk baits and jigs scored as well. There hasn’t been a dominant color standing out. Pearl or white is always a good starter before trying another pattern.
Topwater action has been a bust lately, but don’t hesitate to toss a Skitter Walk, Top Dog or Spook over the tops of flooded oyster shell to see if anyone is lurking. Slow the retrieve down to a crawl to make it easier to connect. Aqua Dream or Capt. Mike’s weedless spoons are great search baits and will fool reds and trout alike. The 1/4-ounce size more closely matches the available bait this time of year. DOA 2.75 shrimp or Sureketch touts bounced on the bottom are hard for flounder to resist.
The upcoming weekend certainly looks promising. Warmer temperatures, predicted mild winds and strong tides triggered by Saturday night’s new moon are all aligning nicely. Lows will be negative early each morning and could be even more extreme due to the expected northerly winds. The daytime high tides will occur mid-afternoon with plenty of sunshine. Around two feet of water will come in on the rise.
The solunar tables are forecasting very high feeding activity two hours before the high tides as the moon is up. Another very high period, albeit briefer, will occur around the morning low.
If your boat needs servicing or you are ready to add that long-awaited accessory like a trolling motor, new electronics or a Power-Pole, be sure to get it into the shop soon before they get busy. That way you’ll be ready to go when the weather stabilizes and the fishing gets really good again.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.