April Forecast 2013
Not only do the boys of summer throw their first pitches to start the 2013 MLB season, go Rays, but the fishing in the Clearwater and Dunedin area kicks up another notch. April and May could be the best time to go fishing on the West Coast of Florida.
As the water temps warm, look for all fishing action to pick up. The first sign will be the return of bait schools. The bait fish, scaled sardines and small thread fins, were around most of our mild winter but will become more intense. Look for them to start showing up in the grass flats inside of Clearwater and Dunedin passes. Also, schools of bait will be under and around the bridges near these passes. You know what they say, "where there's bait…”.
The perfect scenario would be, temperature in the middle 70’s and bait fish showing up in the bays. Pick your species of fish to chase, net up some white bait and go for it. It’s just that simple.
Trout and redfish will continue to be the targets for April. But don’t pass up a chance to hunt down snook this time of year. They are on their way to the passes and outer islands and will be eating everything along the way.
Redfish: They will be scattered throughout the mangroves and oyster bar shore lines. You will need a high tide to get up close to the mangroves. Use your netted white bait and live shrimp under a float to tice these bronze beauties. Keep moving if no action is found and don’t forget to throw out a little chum, this should get their attention. This is the time for the gold spoon. If anything can locate a redfish, it's the gold spoon.
Trout: Look for moving water in the bays with a grass and sand bottom. Chose a spot were your flat is next to deeper water, the trout like to set up on the edge and pick off their food. Toss out your baits under a float and keep it next to the shallows right next to the drop off. Trout like to hang just off the flats on the edge of the deeper water. Don’t pass up the same spots where you found them in March. If white bait is found, use it. If not, use shrimp, jigs or plugs. My favorite will be the Cal 3" shad in darker colors and the Top Dog Jr.
Snook: The snook will be on their way to the beaches and passes in April. You may find them at the spoil islands or in the shallows near the passes. Toss them white baits or small pin fish because they are looking to eat after spending the winter in the back waters.
Other targeted species will be tarpon, kingfish, cobia and plenty of mackerel in the bays. It's the time of year for a great opportunity of catching a kingfish close to shore.
Mark your calendars, take time off from work, play hooky, or call in sick. Now is the time to get out there and join in the best season of the year to go fishing.
Capt. Gary Burch
www.allcatchcharters.com
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