01-17-2001, 05:40 PM
Capt. Kevin Chamberlain<br> <br>We've gone a few days now without a serious cold front passing through and the fish are starting to react to the warmer water temperatures. It's about time, the fishing has been tough. The best action has been later in the day, after the sun has had a chance to warm the water. <br> <br>The low water temps had literally stunned several species. Canals were loaded with jack cravalle that were packed together, swimming in schools near the surface trying to warm up. Some were floating, some were loners swimming around in circles, disoriented. <br> <br>Though we didn't see many snook floating here, they have been in trouble in other areas. There have been reports of floating snook further north and in the Charlotte Harbor area. Unfortunately, when you have fish in this condition, you will also have poachers. They're reportedly taking them with snatch hooks and cast nets. If you see this happening, you're encouraged to contact the Florida Marine Patrol, local police or sheriff's department.<br> <br>Since the warming trend, redfish and large trout have been moving up on the flats with the tide and warm water in North Sarasota Bay, Lower Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Decent sized sheepshead have also been on the flats, mostly around sand potholes. Shrimp-tipped jigs and live shrimp under popping corks are good baits in cooler conditions. Try to work the jigs as slow as possible.<br> <br>There are also reports of decent redfish, trout, ladyfish, sheepshead and flounder in Little Sarasota Bay. Best bet is to work oyster bars, sand bars, docks with deeper water and the edges of grass flats. Shrimp-tipped jigs and live shrimp are the best baits.<br> <br>Thanks,<br>Capt. Kevin<br> <br>To see photos from recent trips, click on http://www.flatsangler.com.<br><br><br>