Big Winter Trout Have Arrived

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 26, 2008

GO FISHING is a look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Mel Berman.

That brief shot of cold air this week has motivated the larger seatrout to move into local waters. One of my forum members, "InshoreSlammer," earlier in the week launched at sunrise.

"It was a foggy morning, no wind and I could see the sun starting to come through the clouds. I was able to get the last hour of the falling tide and things were just looking really fishy," he said.

Throwing an Exude RT Slug, he hooked a 301/2-inch trout on his first cast.

"This fish jumped completely out of the water and then gave me a head shaking tail walk that I will always remember," he said.

He also ended up catching a few upper-slot reds as well.

This holiday weekend looks like a winner, with mild temperatures, light winds and good moving tides. Though you may not score a 30-inch gator trout, you most certainly should be able to catch and release some beauties.

The north Pinellas area is not the only place where one can catch lunker trout. Many are also being landed in the flats off the Gandy/Weedon Island area, Pinellas Point, Fort Desoto and all along the Tampa Bay south shore.

Long Boat Key's Rusty Chinnis also reports landing some fat trout and several bluefish on flies. "We were amazed at the numbers we saw, including a few that looked to be pushing 30 inches," he said.
Captain Tim Whitfield, fishing around the Anclote area, caught trout on just about every cast using scented jigs. He said the best way to work them - or any jig - would be to cast out, let it drop down and slowly twitch it in across the grasses.

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