With spring break on in the Panhandle and a forecast of lighter winds, it was time to do some exploring in one of the local bays. The winds were low, as predicted, but the opposite direction forecast. Typical. A backcountry slam of a legal trout, redfish and green trout (largemouth bass), all on DOA near-clear 1/4-ounce shrimp, set the tone.
After the recent rains and March bluster, the water clarity was surprisingly clear in some spots, siltier in others. This week’s dry spell should continue to help improve the overall conditions.
Although I did see 68 degrees-plus on my sonar over shallow, dark bottom most readings are still below that magic mark. It won’t be long now before it tops 70 degrees. Lows in the upper 30s the next couple of nights will show that progression, however.
There are plenty of redfish around. Most are singles and small groups, with the occasional school of multiple fish. In the clear shallows the fish are super spooky and it’s difficult to get a cast off before they bolt. Downsizing to lighter leaders and smaller lures/flies may help. Jet skis blistering the shorelines do not. By the way, there are no bag or size limits on jet skis in Florida so act accordingly.
Bait is still limited mostly to mullet and killifish/mud minnows due to the water temperatures. The usual diets—pinfish, pilchards, sardines, shrimp, needlefish and pogies—will be along shortly. Because of the still-cool water temperatures slower retrieves are more effective and the topwater bite hasn’t quite turned on yet unless you find laid-up fish over dark bottom. DOA shrimp twitched slowly, subsurface lures like the Rapala Twitchin’ Mullets or soft plastics rigged on a weedless weighted hook are good choices to try.
There are a few sheepshead prowling the shallows. Others will be found around structure like docks, bridge pilings, etc. A few are being caught in the passes as they transition to the open Gulf to spawn. Although they will take a crustacean fly, the best bet for tasty convict fish is live fiddler or mud crabs, followed by shrimp.
From the pier reports a few advance Spanish mackerel are coming over the rails, along with a couple pompano. The first cobia of the season was landed yesterday at the Pensacola Beach Pier. The former great cobia runs are over unfortunately, due to over-harvest. Some big mamas cruising the beach troughs are brought to the gaff every spring, though.
Easter is still a month away, yet with each passing day the inshore fishing in the Florida Panhandle and coastal Alabama only gets better and better with more variety to come.
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