Unsettled weather has made it more challenging for Big Bend anglers lately. Fish are still being caught, but the bite hasn’t exactly been on fire this last week due mainly to choppy seas and cooler water temperatures. As the calendar flips to May, however, a promising forecast is on tap for the weekend. The number of boats is at record levels due to the coronavirus situation and that doesn’t look like it will change anytime soon. So please maintain social distancing at the ramps, Ship’s Store, cleaning table as well as on the water so everyone stays safe.
Low tides will occur well before dawn this weekend, with highs flooding back in around lunch time. With the light and variable winds forecast, the water exchange should average about three feet. The moon phase is halfway between full and new, so the solunar effect won’t be as pronounced. Feeding activity should be average for the couple of hours leading up to the crest, with a lower than normal period again in the later afternoon.
Trout are coming to the net on a wide variety of bait and lures. Pinfish are thick and a split “shiner” tail suspended under a float will often be just the smelly tidbit for a big sow trout or even a cobia to investigate. Live shrimp are seldom refused. Scented touts and shrimp lures soaked on the bottom have been effective lately. Adding a squirt of Pro Cure bait gel adds a little more attraction. Flounder are also being tricked this way.
The topwater bite has been off slightly with the cooler water. With highs expected in the mid-80s though, a Super Spook, Top Dog or Skitter Walk danced across submerged oyster bars, sandy potholes or past rock grass will likely trigger an explosive reaction.
Redfish can be found in the shallows, weaving through submerged grass and around structure in search of meals. Aqua Dream weedless spoons are great search baits to locate foraging reds. The blue crab, black and watermelon versions are doing the trick in bright sunshine. Pink would be a good choice too if the water is tannin-stained from the recent rains, while gold is also a reliable stand-by. Watch for jumping and schooling mullet. Find them and the redfish won’t be far behind.
These mini cold fronts tend to push the pelagics out deeper, at least briefly. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, tripletail and cobia won’t take long to return with warming trends, so be prepared with appropriate tackle and offerings. With the exception of cobia, normal trout/redfish gear will handle the bunch. Shiny casting spoons are deadly on the Spaniards, while DOA shrimp will satisfy the others. For cobia, gear up with medium-heavy outfits spooled with 30-pound test or heavier. Lures include Whip-it Eels, bright heavy bucktail jigs and weighted swim baits.
Refresh yourself with the current bag and size limits as several have changed recently. With the enhanced boat traffic, slow down and practice the Golden Rule so everyone can enjoy their time along the Forgotten Coast.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.