01-07-2002, 03:35 PM
Capt. Kevin Chamberlain<br><br>Even with cold fronts sliding down, we ended the year with some decent catches. Redfish, bluefish, snook and trout, along with acres of ladyfish and a sheepshead or two on the colder, windier days, were caught and released during the last two weeks in December. <br><br>Redfish to 6 pounds took Clouser Minnows and weedless gold spoons in North Sarasota Bay near the east end of Long Bar and around Tidy Island. Snook to 2 pounds, trout to 2 and big ladyfish were hitting Clousers, plastic jigs and Provokers in Little Sarasota Bay around oyster bars and docks. <br><br>When the water temperatures dropped into the upper 50's and the winds kicked in, we ducked into canals with live shrimp to play around with the sheepshead and mangrove snapper. The action was a little slow but will pick up as the fronts move through on more of a regular basis. As the water temps stay in the upper 50's and lower 60's, more sheepshead, jacks, trout, redfish, snook and others will take up residence there. <br> <br>Before and between fronts, reds have been tailing on the shallowest grass flats. When the water temp drops suddenly, and their metabolism slows, they won't move up as readily, especially if it's a severe drop. Best bet is to give it a day or two and, when the winds die down, they should be in an eating mood. <br> <br>Trout are back in season and can be found in deeper water when it's cool. They'll drop off the edges of flats, into holes and channels. A slow presentation is needed this time of year. Not just for trout, but redfish and snook, too. On colder days, a live shrimp, either on a jig head or suspended under a popping cork, or a piece of shrimp on the jig can entice the hit. <br><br>Thanks,<br>Capt. Kevin Chamberlain<br>http://www.flatsangler.com<br>(941) 366-FISH (3474)<br><br><br>