Last weekend's strong winds and cold nights changed fishing conditions dramatically. Before the front, trout and cobia fishing had been excellent on flats off Tarpon Springs. After a couple days of mild weather, fish should return to the same areas and feeding behaviors.
Small groups of large trout have been scattered over most barrier islands, oyster bars and shallow flats. Free-lining shrimp or slowly working soft plastic jigs were quite productive in catching these "gators." Trout season is closed in the southwest region for the next month, so possessing a trout south of Fred Howard Park is illegal throughout December.
Cobias have been congregating in front of the outflow of the Anclote Power Plant in decent numbers. Bright plastic eel replicas were the most efficient offering. When using an eel jig for cobia, have a heavy jig head with a sharp, stout hook attached. The key to getting a cobia to bite is catching its attention. Slow sinking offerings usually don't get down quickly enough.
This time of year, cold fronts shuffle the fish around about every week or two. When a front comes through, fish instinctively retreat to deeper and warmer waters. After a couple of days of mild weather they'll usually begin to ease into shallower waters and feed again.
- Pete Katsarelis charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at 727 439-3474 or by e-mail at pkatsare@helios.acomp.usf.edu
