Matt enjoyed the workout from this over 40″ Indian River Lagoon redfish on a recent trip with Capt. Mark Wright.
At least for the near future, our weather has returned to a traditional, predictable pattern. Warm, humid mornings with almost no air movement, giving way to east-southeast sea breezes by late morning/mid-day are expected. I’m happy with it because it’s easy to plan for.
The first light top-water bite has been outstanding. Most mornings walking plugs like a Super-Spook Jr or Skitterwalk wreak havoc on slot sized spotted seatrout. On the right morning these plugs will also catch over-slot trout and redfish of all sizes. Don’t be surprised when a juvenile tarpon or wandering snook explodes on them as well.
On those mornings when the water isn’t flat or just lightly rippled, but a bit choppy, tie on a Z-Man Pop Shadz for some excitement. This plug is also perfect for fishing in the thick grass mats which have recently developed in the shallows. The Pop Shadz is about as weedless as a lure can be and will get your rod bent!
Cut baits like mullet and pinfish are still catching a few big redfish, especially when placed along ridgelines where school after school of silver mullet is streaming through. I frequently anchor the boat in such a manner as to strategically place a chunk of bait behind the vessel and along the “mobile buffet line,” keeping it in the kill zone and out of the way of clients casting from the bow.
Shrimp — live, dead or plastic are all viable choices in the shallows when tailing redfish or black drum become active. Suspending a live shrimp under a popping float in the right area will keep you active with schoolie trout, ladyfish and more. Take plenty with you as the “bait-stealers” are abundant and hungry…
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