Breezy conditions and cooler temperatures have kept anglers and game fish guessing this past week. The weather forecast for the upcoming weekend looks much better with summer-like heat and calm winds. The combination should stimulate appetites, despite the in-between moon phase.
Trout remain steady, although lately it’s been a process sorting through shorts and undesirables to reach a limit. The usual bait-stealers are back in force, along with another surge of smooth pufferfish. These pests made an appearance a few years ago and for some reason (likely more salinity) they’re back. They will quickly make mince meat out of a soft-plastic lure, so stock up before leaving the dock. No particular baits of note are in the spotlight this past week. A complement of light and dark patterns and a couple different jig head weights should do the trick. Using scented lures or adding juice like Pro-Cure gels will increase the bites but often attract the trash species as well.
Redfish have been scattered yet cooperative with offerings in the strike zone. The Z-Man Diezel Minnowsin white are a consistent producer, along with Aqua Dream weedless spoons in chartreuse, watermelon and black. The water clarity is super clear, so darker patterns are really standing out. Adding a ball-bearing swivel to the nose ring of the spoons will help minimize line twist, an inherent problem with the slow flutter action of these baits.
Toothy critters are hit or miss. Spanish mackerel haven’t been overly abundant so far this spring. Bluefish and ladyfish are often in the mix. Use a silver casting spoon with a trace of wire leader to tangle with the Spaniards. Skyrocketing macks, nervous bait and diving birds will all tip off the location of schools pounding baitfish.
Cobia are prone to pop up anywhere from the flats to nearshore reefs and structure. A medium-heavy outfit loaded with 30-pound braid or heavier and a 40-pound leader will handle most. Big bucktail jigs, Gag’s Whip-It Eels and larger swim baits will fool the bombers, along with frisky pinfish, hardhead catfish or slimy real eels.
Tides won’t be particularly strong this weekend. Water will be rising all morning, peaking around lunch time before dropping back out again by early evenings. A little more than a foot will drain after the mid-day highs. The solunar prediction is only calling for an average activity window for a couple hours before the tide crests.
Boat traffic continues to be hectic, so please practice social distancing at the ramps and on the water. Be aware of other boats. Remember, the operator is legally responsible for wakes or reckless operation. Stay safe and be courteous so a good time can be had by all.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.