Ray Stansberry shows us just how large the mouth of a 22 inch trout really is as this one completely engulfed an Exude Orange Bloodline shrimp!

February’s weather was cold, windy and harsh to say the least. Fishing was tough even for the most seasoned angler. The water levels have been moderately fluctuating and I expect them to drop again over the next few months. When the water levels do drop and the temperatures start to rise, look for the fishing to get better as we move toward spring. March will start gearing everyone up for spring as the weather patterns will start changing allowing some warmer condition to begin to develop.

March is the beginning of change for the fish on the flats, the food sources have been depleted through the cold months and the fish are on the prowl for something to eat. Now is the time to try new artificial lures because just about everything catches fish. The water is for the most part very clear so try using smaller lures that imitate small bait fish or shrimp.

Look for the redfish working the flats in both the south end of Mosquito Lagoon and the west side as the suns warmth should put them in the hunt for their next meal. The lagoon will produce a lot of slot size redfish as we move toward the warmer months of spring. Try the east side early and the west side late for some good action through out the day. You will find that the redfish are less spooky in slightly deeper water depth, working the middle grounds can produce more sight fishing opportunities as the sun gets higher in the sky.

Watch the weather, pick your days and try to change it up. Use some new lures, try some new spots, you might bring some fish to the boat that you weren’t counting on.

Tip of the month: Don’t waste your time on schools of fish that are jacked up from getting hammered for days on end. It is not worth it. To catch fish you need to think like a fish, eat some bait once in a while.

“Living to fish, fishing for Life”

Capt Mark Thomas
Flats Action Charters
www.flatsaction.com
407-325-8707