Manatee fishing report 3/13/10 - warmer weather coming?

On the days my clients and I were able to get out we enjoyed some pretty decent action with the "big four" dependable species this winter. Sheepshead, redfish, trout, and black drum continued to please. Those folks looking to take home some groceries have been satisfied as well.

The trout have been encountered all over creation. Open water, deep water, bayous, creeks, and canals have all been giving up good catches of trout ranging in size from 12 to 22 inches on the average. Any number of lead headed jigs and soft bodied lures have been highly effective as long as the presentation is slow and deep.

The reds, sheepies, and drum are still holding to structure and taking live shrimp. There are schools of "over the slot" reds roaming around but they tend to be spooky in the shallow and clear water. One trick to take these wary redfish is to anchor quite a distance from the potholes and make a long cast to the hole with a "Gulp" shrimp, live shrimp, or fresh cut bait and patiently, quietly wait for a pick up.

Do not expect much of a change in the species available until the water temperatures hereabouts moderate at least another 10 degrees. At that point there should be a bonanza of baitfish and pelagic species invading the Sarasota/Tampa Bay area.