Redfish
Within the bays and sounds that surround Charlotte harbor, redfish have evolved to become one of the most abundant gamefish on our flats. They grow relatively quick and after the first year they’re over a foot long. They’re primarily a bottom feeder and will readily eat a shrimp pattern but also seem to really like the Puglisi baitfish patterns as well. In addition to being abundant, they’re also a good year round bite. They tolerate the cold and tend to hang out under the mangroves during the heat of Summer. In October, spawning season, the big bull reds come in from offshore and school up on the flats making for some good fly fishing.
Creek mouth schools
Already grouping up as their spawn progresses, redfish have been keying on local creek mouths taking advantage of the recent rain. Glass minnows that call these brackish nurseries home have been flushing out with the tide keeping redfish close by. Out of Ponce Park...
February 2021
Typically, even though we do get some cold snaps in March, this should be our last cool month and our last shot at extreme low tides. I’ll spend most of my time targeting redfish and spotted sea trout. Both of these species adapt well to cooler conditions and spotted...
Some final thoughts for January
We just finished an interesting week in Pine Island Sound where we saw some warmer weather and a good tide as a result of the full moon. It’s the first time this year we’ve seen water temperatures in the low 70’s in the backcountry. The trout bite was solid as usual...