Residential Canals Produce 2/14/2010
The weather has been brutal with below normal temps and high winds. Its been tough to get that window of opportunity to get out. But when you do you have to take it. Right now is not the time to expect a trip catching trophy sized fish but instead get larger numbers of smaller fish.
The residential canals have been a good place to get some shelter from the chilly winds. Water temps are still in the mid 50s so the fish are still a little sluggish on the bite but seem to be getting a little more aggressive. I think this may be due to the lack of bait around the bay so these fish are really getting hungry.
Notice the 55 degree water temp
The bait used on our recent outings has varied between live shrimp and a mix of artificial soft plastic baits. Live shrimp on a 2/0 light circle hook with a small split shot about a foot up the 20 lb floro leader has been producing well and is a great choice for the angler who mostly wants to just cast,sit back and feel the bite.
Soft plastic artificial on the other hand have produced well in different colors. Mostly we have been pairing either the Hybrids Flurry or the DOA Cal with a 1/4 oz jig head. Casting out and letting it drop to the bottom then slowly jigging it back has produced the best strikes.
The Hybrid Flurry in assorted colors
The fish seem to be concentrated mostly in the middle of the canals with some hanging near the edges of the drop offs soaking up the warmth of the sun.
Trout caught on a DOA Cal ,pearl with chart tail
Bringing one to the boat,Spotted Sea trout
Most of the fish we are catch have been in the 17 to 20 inch keeper size range. Spotted sea trout make great table fare so you can look forward to taking some home for dinner.
Trout have been the story as of late but with some warming temps soon to come this should change. I am really hoping that March will be a new story and some of our other species will be coming to life. Its been a brutal winter so all we can hope for is that mother nature is going to show us some love soon.
Good friend Capt. Steve Nagy from Bonita Springs