Author: skipper97

The most challenging times inshore are upon us and that means adaptation is in order. The inshore water temperatures are in the mid-80s and that’s outside the comfort zone of most game fish. The best solution is to set the alarm clock and be on the water early. Like to enjoy the sunrise. That’s when temperatures will be the coolest and low light conditions add to the preferable ambush factor.

Sight-fishing can be good in the middle of the day for tarpon and sharks. The sun’s angle, from around 10 am to 4 pm, allows good visibility into the shallows. Pods of tarpon continue to roll and surf the beach troughs, while blacktips and spinners are cruising through the shallows. Well-placed swim baits like DOA BaitBusters, MirrOlure 77M plugs and Gag’s Whip-it Eels will fool the silver kings and sharks. Fly anglers will do well tossing red/black or purple and black minnow patterns or fluorescent Toad flies. For sharks, it’s hard to top an orange or red streamer.

There’s no shortage of bait on the flats. Shrimp, pinfish, finger mullet, glass minnows and pilchards are everywhere. Flounder enthusiasts will do well to throw a cast net along the shorelines for mud minnows. If you prefer to fool ‘em with plastic, Rapala Skitter Walks and Super Spooks are generating surface strikes, while DOA shrimp is tempting in the mid-column depths.

With the ‘tweener moon phase, tides and solunar cycles will be modest this weekend. Expect average feeding activity from early to mid-mornings. The USN Blue Angels are hosting their semi-annual air show too, so boat traffic will be extremely congested.

The first STAR-tagged redfish was caught by a lucky registered angler near Englewood last week. He is claiming the Pathfinder bay boat as his prize. But there are still two other boat, motor, trailer package available (Contender 22 Sport and 19 Spyder flats). 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 continues through Labor Day Weekend so don’t forget to register at https://ccaflstar.com

Copyright 2022, Capt. Dave Lear
All rights reserved.

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.

All rights reserved.

The spring season is exploding across the Panhandle inshore waters. Water temperatures have risen to the low 80s and bait is back in all varieties. The water clarity continues to improve and game fish are responding aggressively.

Chrome Skitter Walk topwater plugs continue to trigger explosive surface strikes from redfish and speckled trout. The reds range from mid-slot to well over. Prime depths are two feet or less in mixed bottom. The trout are feeding in the same zones. DOA gold glitter shrimp are also attracting attention. I have been rigging them with a 2/0 light-wire circle hook through the nose and adding a RattleSnake rattle for added attraction.

Mullet of all sizes, pilchards, needlefish and glass minnows are getting thick again. There are a lot of rays feeding along the bottom and big jack crevalle are hunting in packs along the shorelines. Competition between fish usually results in a strike on any fast-moving offering, but be ready with a fully spooled reel and plenty of patience. The fights are protracted with jacks on light tackle.

There have been a couple reports of tarpon pods cruising from west to east off Pensacola Beach Pier. That easterly movement is typical for May. More fish should be reversing course and heading towards Dauphin Island and beyond in the next few weeks. When that happens, be on the lookout for more silver kings popping up inside the bays.

The weekend outlook is very encouraging. With nearly two feet of water exchange between the negative late night lows and afternoon highs, the solunar periods peak during the pre-dawn and sunrise hours. There will be another window for a couple hours before sunset with the waxing crescent moon. Anglers who are in position for those periods at prime spots should enjoy good action.

Redfish are being released in coastal counties throughout the state in anticipation of the 2022 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 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 ccaflstar.com.

Copyright 2022, Capt. Dave Lear.

All rights reserved.

The weather guessers got it wrong again with the winds this week (shocker), but the fish were still cooperative in East Bay. The water near the East River is still murky, but the closer to open water the better the clarity. There is a slight tannin stain, but overall the shallows are clear. Temperatures are ranging from 74 to 76-plus degrees.

Redfish were aggressively pounding chrome top water plugs, even with the choppy conditions. The pre-new moons tides were strong and the peak times coincided with the solunar periods, as is often the case. Most of the reds were mid-slot, but a few in the upper 30-inch range were spotted but not fed. I also saw several large, albeit spooky trout in less than two feet of water. A few sheepshead were zipping around and a 4-foot bull shark was prowling as well.

The bait situation is rapidly improving. Schools of buck mullet were darting about and I also encountered smaller pods of menhaden/pogy and glass minnows. Quite a few rays were groveling along the bottom in sizes ranging from saucers to satellite antennas. The usual bird life, including a bald eagle and osprey were also seen. One of the osprey was clutching a long streamer of Spanish moss as it flew back to the nest to continue construction.

The tides and bite should be good this weekend with the new moon. The wind turbine doesn’t show any sign of slowing down, though. I thought March was supposed to be the breezy month!

Redfish are being released in coastal counties throughout the state in anticipation of the 2022 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 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 ccaflstar.com

Copyright 2022, Capt. Dave Lear.
All rights reserved.

Spring has sprung along the Panhandle coast, but the inshore waters are not quite at optimum temperatures just yet. Mid-day highs are still hovering around the mid-60 mark and the cooler overnight lows expected this weekend probably won’t nudge them up much more. That will change by next week. Once the thermometer reaches 68-plus, the bite should really turn on.

Bait is returning to the flats in growing numbers. Schools of mullet, from buck size to big roe, are flipping and flopping throughout the shallows. Pinfish, mud minnows and needlefish are becoming more prevalent as well. Shrimp won’t be far behind. And with the influx of bait, the game fish will be turning on to regain some pounds for spawning (trout) after a chilly winter.

Redfish continue to prowl the flats and they have been finicky as usual. One-quarter-ounce Aqua Dream weedless willow blade spoons are the best bet. As the bait thickens, small shad tails like the DOA CAL series in Stark Naked or similar patterns, rigged with a weedless worm hook, will get their attention. Shrimp and small crab patterns are the top options for fly casters.

Sheepshead have been gathering around jetties and other structure as part of the spring spawn. Live fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks will fool the convicts. Use the lightest terminal rigs as possible to detect the subtle takes. A spade or hoe comes in handy for scraping barnacles and shells off the pilings or rip rap to add some enticing chum.

A few pompano are being caught. Sand fleas, Fish Bites or Nylure jigs and Pompano Rocket flies will fool these tasty scrappers. Work the troughs and funnels along the beach for the most consistent action.

Spanish mackerel haven’t made their return just yet, but it could start any day now. Bluefish, jacks and cobia will be right after. Macks provide great fun and a tasty treat on the grill. Troll small silver spoons, Christmas tree rigs on light tackle. Or watch for birds and bait to get into the zone for tossing weighted spoons (Kastmaster, Deadly Dicks) or Gotcha lures.

The recent heavy rains have created murky conditions in Escambia Bay. The water towards the river resembles Yoo Hoo drink. It starts clearing the further south you run. The Sound is clear, with a slight amount of sediment noticeable in the water.

The 2022 Coastal Conservation Association state-wide STAR tournament kicks off Memorial Day weekend and last through the summer. Tagged redfish can win one of three boat, motor and trailer packages (Contender 22 Sport, Spyder and Hewes Redfisher flats boats). Junior anglers have chances at college scholarships. Kingfish, mahi and grouper are eligible offshore species. You have to be registered and an active CCA member to win. for more information, visit: www.ccaflstar.com

Copyright 2022, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.

It’s a good thing February is the shortest month on the calendar. Because it’s also the toughest month to fish inshore in northern Florida waters. Yes, there are fish to be found. But feeding windows are very short and the fish are often more focused on staying comfortable than finding the next meal. If you like a challenge, though, February fits the bill.

A trip to Santa Rosa Sound late last week featured bluebird skies, light winds and Bahamas-like water—in clarity only. Water temperatures were a chilly 52 degrees to start the morning and only warmed to a tad over 54 by mid-afternoon. The prospects for improvement don’t look favorable with the overnight lows back around freezing or slightly above this week.

Unlike previous trips, there was little sign of life on the flats. Only a few stingrays shuffled along the bottom. Baitfish, including mullet, were non-existent. The larger schools of reds that were around previously had obviously gone elsewhere. I only saw 18 reds over 5 hours, but all were trophies, exceeding 30 inches. Most were singles, with a few small groups cruising the sand.

Unfortunately, none would commit to a strike. A couple raced to the lure (DOA near clear shrimp) only to turn away at the last second. An Aqua Dream 1/4-ounce weedless gold spoon was Kryptonite, apparently, for the fish scattered when it landed. I readied a DOA paddletail swim bait, but didn’t really get it in front of the last few fish spotted. Still it was fun sight-casting to overslot fish and the weather was gorgeous, so no real complaints.

The colder-than-usual Panhandle winter has pushed the trout and black drum into the upper bays and coastal tributaries. Sheepshead are around as well. Try DOA shrimp, jigs and suspending plugs for trout in the deeper holes and ambush spots, like feeder creeks emptying in the main channel. Work lures slowly to match the metabolism. Fiddler crabs and small shrimp will fool the convict fish if they are suspended around bridge pilings, docks and seawalls. Go as light as possible with hooks and leader for these wary targets. For an added edge, take along a spade and use it to scrape barnacles off the pilings beforehand. The drifting shell will act as chum to attract sheepies.

In theory, conditions should improve this week with Wednesday’s full moon generating a lot of water movement and excellent solunar feeding windows. Mother Nature may have other ideas, however. Winds are expected to be elevated and Thursday is forecast for thunderstorms.

If you can’t get out to actually fish, now is the perfect opportunity to get ready for when things do really turn on. Shops are somewhat slow right now, so make an appointment if the boat or trailer needs servicing. It’s also the ideal time to have reels tuned up, check rods and organize tackle. The Panhandle winter will be over soon with better fishing days ahead.

Copyright 2022, Capt. Dave Lear

All rights reserved.

Unseasonably warm weather and the approaching full moon have made for challenging conditions inshore the last couple of weeks. With daytime highs in the mid-70s (azaleas are blooming), the fish are scattered and not very aggressive. Hopefully things will change for the better later this week.

In the shallow waters of Santa Rosa Sound, water temperatures climbed back into the mid-60s last week. Except for wind-blown silt, the water clarity was exceptional. Which makes it easier to spot fish when it’s not overcast, but also easier for them to spot the boat or high-profile anglers. It’s very frustrating to make the perfect cast only to have the target swim the other opposite direction because it is on alert.

Earlier in the month there were still small pods of pilchards and needlefish in the shallows. Mullet were also grouped into small schools. Most of that bait has now disappeared. There are a few cow-nose rays gliding around, but no redfish were spotted trailing them.

Redfish numbers dropped noticeably as the moon shifted closer to the full phase. Those remaining were extremely spooky. The most successful lure has been an original Capt. Mike’s weedless 1/4-ounce spoon in gold with silver foil. Typically I shift down in size in the winter months for a quieter presentation and to match sizes with any remaining bait.

Trout have been few and far between, too. Reports from the upper bays are equally discouraging. The few that have been caught are mostly being fooled by subsurface plugs retrieved slowly through the strike zone.

The outlook is a little more promising for the week leading up to Christmas. Another cold snap is forecast for mid-week, which will likely push the fish into more traditional winter haunts. Negative mid-day low tides will expose bottom for solar heating. Average solunar feeding periods are expected once the water turns in the mid-afternoons.

Duck hunters will be encouraged by the cooler weather as well. The number of sea ducks is steadily increasing along the coast.

Copyright 2021, Capt. Dave Lear
All rights reserved.

After too long of a hiatus, I am finally getting back on the water. The move to Santa Rosa County and subsequent boat barn/tackle room project kept me busy all summer long. But now, with a new outboard on the skiff’s transom,I am ready to start re-learning the western Panhandle in earnest. My weekend foray to Santa Rosa Sound gave an opportunity to put some more break-in hours on the Yamaha and find some fish. The operative word there is FIND, not catch. Still it was good to be back on the flats.

Redfish were common in the shallows. Singles and pairs were most prevalent, but some groups of four to five fish were also seen. With the negative low coming off the full moon and chillier than expected water temperatures, the fish were super spooky. Most were not interested in the shrimp lures offered or sniffed and turned away. Sizes ranged from smaller reds to over-slot fish and they were moving in depths less than two feet. Some quality trout were also in the mix, albeit in limited numbers.

Water clarity was exceptionally clear. Temperatures ranged from 61+ degrees to start before warming to just over 65 by mid-afternoon. Despite the cooler water, there is limited bait around. Schools of glass minnows and pilchards were still on the flats, along with some ballyhoo. No pinfish were spotted on the grass. A few mullet were jumping amongst smaller schools of fish.

There have been reports of scattered trout moving into the coastal rivers and upper bays. As the water continues to cool, slower presentations are necessary. Flounder should still be inshore until a prolonged cold front and the sheepshead will be turning on again soon.

If you are in need of outboard service, sales and accessories, I can highly recommend Mike Ingham and his team at Gulf Breeze Marine Service on Highway 98. They did an excellent job rigging my new engine, with expert knowledge and great communication at a fair cost. They are an authorized Yamaha dealer and can also work on a number of other brands. www.gulfbreezemarine.com

I wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving holiday. Be safe and enjoy the bounty of our great nation.

I apologize for the lapse in reports, but I have a legitimate excuse. After nearly 30 years in the Tallahassee/Big Bend region, I have re-located to my retirement home in Pace, Florida. This area is where I first started my passion for saltwater fishing and it’s great to now be back re-exploring home waters. My Beavertail Mosquito will be the perfect craft for poling the shallow flats of Santa Rosa Sound and Big Lagoon, along with the upper tributaries of Escambia, Blackwater and Perdido Bays. So far I have made three trips to the Sound, the latest being Friday at the start of the long Memorial Day weekend. Here’s what I have encountered:

Redfish of all sizes have been cruising up and down the shoreline and adjacent flats. Many of the fish are spooky in the crystal clear water but sight-fishing opportunities are still viable. The fish are too shallow for a trolling motor so poling or wading is the best bet. Normally it’s hard to go wrong with an Aqua Dream weedless gold spoon. But lately those haven’t been enticing. CAL shad tails in mole` are working, especially when the competition is high, and the classic red head/white Skitter Walks are also fooling a few.

Previous trips have shown small pods of decent trout and some scattered sheepshead. There have been reports of trophy trout coming on suspending plugs along the docks elsewhere in the bay system. Fast-moving schools of jack crevalle are sliding through. Reactionary casts with a noisy topwater plug, or most anything really, will get their interest. Water temperatures are in the upper 70s and climbing rapidly.

Memorial Weekend marks the start of the Coastal Conservation Association STAR tournament. This popular family oriented event runs through September 9. It features 17 divisions targeting 12 inshore and offshore species, plus a trash clean-up category. The West Marine Tagged Redfish Division offers the chance of a Contender Boats 22 Sport, Pathfinder Boats 2200 TRS or Spyder Vapor 19FX rigged with Yamaha outboards for anglers catching a tagged redfish. The first two youth anglers catching tagged reds will also win a Salt Marsh Skiffs 1656 with Yamaha power, Minn Kota Trolling Motor and Humminbird electronics.

The first offshore enthusiasts registered that catches a tagged dolphin will win $10,000 in the Tigress Outriggers and Gear Tagged Dolphin Division. Youth anglers are eligible ti win up to 12 scholarships totaling $100,000 in the Academy Sports and Outdoors Youth Scholarship Division. Other divisions include ladies, kayak, fly, conservation and guide. Many of the winners are determined by random drawing to level the playing field and catch, photo and release is the primary scoring method through the tournament smart phone app.

Participants must be members of CCA Florida to win and registration is required to be eligible for the many prizes. To register or learn more, please visit: www.ccaflstar.com

Copyright 2021, Captain Dave Lear. All rights reserved.

Thanks to that bright yellow ball in the sky, the end of February is shaping up quite nicely for Big Bend coastal anglers. With light winds and balmy, spring-like temperatures, the fish will be feeling comfortable. Combine that with the full moon tides and you have a good recipe for success.

The biggest unknown will be water clarity. Thanks to the recent monsoons, draining is still on-going. So looking for the clearest water will be paramount. That means getting away from the coastal rivers and larger tidal creeks. Small waterways, especially those with limestone piles and rock grass, will be prime spots to prospect. Trout haven’t moved fully on to the flats just yet, but they will be staging in close proximity and move according to tidal flow. Redfish will also be in the creeks, around oyster bars and shell bottom.

Depending on clarity, noise, scent and contrast will be important. Pearl and chartreuse stand out in cloudier water. Gold, glitter and pinks variations pop in depths tinted with tannin. A generous squirt of Pro-Cure Bait gel in shrimp, mullet or menhaden tickles the smell sensors, while lures with internal rattles or suspended under clacker corks helps fish hone in on the offering.

Pompano are in the Panhandle surf already, so be sure to watch for flashes around clear sand bars and troughs. DOA shrimp, bucktail jigs and the venerable pompano jig bounced slowly along the bottom will entice these tasty jacks. Fly-rodders will score with Pompano Rockets and similar flies.

It won’t be too long for the Spanish mackerel to return. Watch for jumping fish and showering bait to pinpoint where these speedsters are congregating. Small silver casting spoons on heavy monofilament or light wire leader is tops, with a fast retrieve. Christmas tree rigs or small tube lures trolled about 1,000 to 1,200 RPM will also put Spaniards in the box. Bluefish are likely in the mix as well.

Because of Saturday’s full moon and the extreme negative low tides right after daylight, deep-water ramps like Shields Marina or the fort ramp in St. Marks are recommended. The Lanark Village Boat Club ramp remains closed with the basin being dredged.

Prime times will be the first hour of incoming and the last two hours of the mid-afternoon crest. More than three feet of water will flood in before peaking, so the solunar predictions are off the chart for the whole weekend.

Copyright 2021, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.