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Warm Weather Brings Out Hungry Fish

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By RAY MARKHAM

Published: January 27, 2009

Air temperatures in the upper 70s have been pushing thermometers in the water up as well.

A slow but steady rise of temperature has been the norm this week and the resulting increase made for a good trout and redfish bite.

While temperatures in lower Tampa Bay and Terra Ceia were ranging from 60 to 66 degrees at the beginning of the week, with a few more days of this warm weather, you could even see snook poking out and getting in on the bite.

However, much cooler temperatures should be on tap for the weekend as the next front heads into the bay area Thursday night and Friday.

You expect some good fishing just prior to the fronts arrival.

The spotted seatrout that we've been catching have been mostly from the bottom of the slot up to 3 pounds. The largest fish have all come from sandy potholes on the flats in about 3 to 4 feet of water surrounded by turtle grass.

Most consistently, our fish were caught on CAL Jigs with Shad tails. A new color from DOA has been outstanding.

The Shad tail with a night glow back and clear gold holographic belly has been very good when rigged on a quarter-ounce chartreuse CAL jig head. Both redfish and trout have fallen for this bait.

Most of our reds have been in open water on the flats scouring the grass beds for crabs, shrimp, or whatever morsels they could dig up. The best bite has been coming on the incoming tide in the afternoon as the water and temperatures rise.

A slow retrieve with the lure on the bottom along with several twitches of the rod tip are all that were required to catch our fish.

Ray Markham co-hosts "Florida Sportsman Magazine Radio Live," Saturdays from 7-8 a.m. on ESPN 1040 AM, and may be reached for charter at (941) 723-2655.

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