Fishing in the winter when the weather might be in high 70’s for three or four days and then the 40’s for three or four days can be challenging. The changing water temps will move fish back and forth from winter patterns to spring patterns. I had been fishing winter patterns using shrimp and fishing deep holes, canal docks and structure with very little luck. In talking with Capt. Billy Miller he suggested catching white bait, available at the Skyway Bridge, and trying spring patterns.
I did just that and finally had some good action catching nice snook, redfish and big speckled trout around the mangrove islands of Ft. Desoto.
Reports of spring patterns working around Weedon Island and Upper Tampa Bay indicate fast action for anglers using white bait.
Terra Ceia Bay, Miguel Bay and Anna Maria Sound redfish are in spring patterns says Capt. Mac Gregory. After catching white bait at the Skyway, Gregory has been easily limiting out on reds and also catching some big snook.
Hot snook action is going on in local rivers like the Hillsborough, Manatee and Little Manatee. Working channel bends and deep drop offs has been very productive. Throw some live chummers out to help locate the holding areas.
When, or if, white bait disappears try artificials and live shrimp.