Spring weather brings more action
For anglers, spring is when the water temperature hits 68 degrees. Our local waters achieved that milestone this week. In the span of a few warm days, the character of our rivers and creeks changed. Baitfish are once again abundant and predators are gorging themselves on the readily available food source. With redfish, trout and flounder focused on eating baitfish, I recommend using lures that mimic what the predators are eating.
When glass minnows and finger mullet are on the menu, a Z-Man StreakZ 3.75 on a 3/16-ounce finesse jig is super productive. My preferred colors are Blue Back Herring and Ralph Shad. If small menhaden are the food of the day, a Soft-dyne made by Paul Brown or a Mirrolure Mirro-dyne get the nod. Now that the water is warm and the fish are actively feeding, I work these lures with an aggressive snap and short pause retrieve. Unlike winter, the strikes are not subtle.
Speaking of crushing strikes, top water action is heating up. Early in the morning and late in the evening are the best times to fish top water lures. Recently, I have been experimenting with a floating Shimano Colt Sniper. This lure sits a bit lower in the water than regular top water lures. Subsequently, it has a higher hook up ratio, especially on redfish.
When you are fishing, take a few minutes to observe the area. Look for the baitfish that are most prevalent and where they are congregating the most. Then, select the lure that best mimics what you see and concentrate your fishing effort where the baitfish are congregating. This time of year, the chances are pretty good that you will catch a few fish.
Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.