After the front we focused on sheepshead for a little bit and also some black drum in the mix fishing artificial reefs and docks/structures throughout the bay, we also caught quit a few ladyfish while looking for some trout which helped to keep anglers rods bent. Friday I fished two inshore half day trips and we caught a bunch of ladyfish, some small trout, a couple snook on each trip and some small redfish and keeper sized mangrove snappers in the afternoon. As the weekend went on the bite seemed to get a little better each day. Sunday was picture perfect weather wise and everyone seemed to be eager to get out on the boat as the bay was jam packed with boaters. I fished with Steve, his wife, and daughter from Canada in the morning and had some action on ladyfish and trout. We made our way around the bay and encountered dolphins and stopped to look at the birds on some of the mangrove islands. In the afternoon on Sunday I fished Sarasota bay with plenty of action on nice sized trout, also a couple redfish joined the mix and a pompano also made its way into the fish box.

Monday of this week the fishing was fast and furious as an approaching front makes its way to us today and into Wednesday. We caught trout after trout with some really nice ones mixed in over the 20" mark. We also encountered a school of large jack crevalle that hit whatever we put in front of their faces for about a half hour and then we chose to move on.

Hopefully this cold front will be one of the last and we can get into the spring fishing patterns. The snook bite will only get better from here and the redfish should be schooling and ready to eat. The trout will remain a good option as well but dont forget that the larger ones have row in them and they will help to keep the population at a good level so try to release the ones that are over 20" and keep some in the slot if you want dinner. The kingfish are making an appearance and the action with those will get better as the water warms and more bait moves in to our area.

I still have openings this spring for fishing charters, if you are looking for a fun outdoor experience you will never forget give me a call at 813-220-8725 or send me an email at onamissionfishing@gmail.com.