Welcome to Capt. Terry's FISHING REPORT:
               April 14th, 2003 
                 

Redfish,  We had a little scare with some red tide in the past couple of weeks. It seems to have mostly cleared out at this time. No major damage to the game fish, but some dead bait, catfish and some trout mainly. The weather has gotten to be more seasonal and the water temperature is warming up. The redfish have come back on the bite. I have done very well on some of the more extreme low tides for tailing redfish with the flyrods. Baitfishing has been been getting better every day. The trick is being there when they are feeding. Try working the edges of the sand bars and oyster reefs. Some people call it fishing for reds, I call it hunting. When poling the flats for reds, move very slowly and watch for wakes, tails and boils. When fishing the mangroves, fish the top end of the high tide and get your fly, bait or jig underneath the mangroves as far as you can. This technique will also produce a few snook. A great way to cover a lot of water and it can be very productive. Flies, artificials and bait all are working well for these beautiful strong fighters. Try bait fishing them with pinfish, shrimp or cut bait. Flyfish them against the mangroves and on the flats with a earth tone colored clouser and for some real excitement try top water on the overcasted days. Average size about 18" to 30" with some larger ones around. Watch for those TAILS!!!

Snook, They also have started biting again. I've been finding some very nice fish eager to eat the fly and artificials. A few in the 15lb to 20lb class. I expect the next month or two to even get better, as the water warms up. Tides become very important this time of year. Some real monsters out there and when hooked you have your job cut out for you. One mistake and they win! Large hand picked shrimp and live bait sometimes will get the larger ones to take in the cuts, sand holes and under the mangroves. Fishing them on the out going tide usually produces the best results. Brightly colored flies or plastics also are working on some of the deeper holes and against the mangroves.  Keep your eyes open and fish them on the tides that create good current.  Hungry Snook means Bait, though throwing a well placed fly will usually be rewarded with an aerial show.

Speckled Trout, Spring time produces some large trout! Some very respectable Trout in the 20" to 25" range being caught with flies on or near the flats. Look for them in 3' to 5' of water near the edges of the grass flats. Watch where the birds are feeding and give it a try. A great top water feeder on overcast days, makes for some sure fun. Again flies, artificials and bait will bag a few of these hard hitting fish.

Tarpon, The time is HERE! I'm starting to see some small groups showing up. Some more nice weather and I suspect we'll start seeing a lot more. When the tarpon are here and conditions are ideal, an experience of a lifetime awaits you. Flies, artificials and bait can hook these sought after critters, but getting them to the boat is a whole other story. These beautiful fish will range from 30lbs. to 200lbs. Average being around 100lbs. They will test your skill and your equipment when hooked with the fly rod or light tackle. BOOK NOW! My books fill up fast for May and June tarpon fishing.

Cobia, Tripletail & Jacks: These three species can be encountered on many of my trips. When you run into these species they are worth throwing for! All are fantastic fighters and can be caught on the flyrod or light tackle.

A day on the flats will always take you home with some memories and remember fishing is fun, so have fun out there! Don't take it so serious that you can't have a good time.

Till the next update take care and keep those lines TIGHT!

CAPT. TERRY PITZ     http://www.flyfishingswfl.com

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