01-31-2002, 08:45 PM
Capt. Kevin Chamberlain<br><br>With air temperatures in the lower 80's during the day, and mid to upper 60's overnight, it's just like fall out there. That is, except for the ultra low tides and crystal clear water. Redfish and trout have been the best bets and the shallow flats and holes are where they're hanging. <br> <br>Redfish to 8 pounds are taking all white and tan-and-white bendback flies and gold spoons in north Sarasota Bay. They've been moving up on the flats with the incoming tide and hanging around the holes and out over the open grass. <br><br>On occasion, snook and trout have been laying in the holes, too. Though the snook have been tough to fool, the trout have been taking Clouser Minnows and various plastic jigs. Trout, bluefish, flounder and ladyfish have been scattered around the bay on the deeper grass, in 3 to 6 feet of water. The area around Middlegrounds has been holding decent numbers. <br><br>In Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound and Bull Bay have been holding good numbers of trout and redfish. Catches of 30 or more trout, up to 3 pounds, have been the norm. Fishing deeper holes throughout the area has been the most productive. They've been all over Mister Twister's Exude Shrimp and the Bayou Chub Minnow from Reaction Lures.<br><br>Snook season will reopen on Friday, February 1st with the new daily bag limit in effect. In our area, anglers may keep one per day. The legal slot limit remains between 26 and 34 inches. In addition, the month of May will be added to the summer closure. <br><br>Capt. Kevin Chamberlain<br>http://www.flatsangler.com<br>(941) 366-FISH (3474)<br><br>