Early in the morning and late in the evening we have been catching some nice medium size trout in the kelp beds using 1/8 ounce jigs with Berkely Gulp shrimp in the new penny color. Most of the bigger trout that we were catching on the near shore rocks have moved out to 14 feet of water . Trout  in the deeper water can be caught using ¼ ounce jigs with a Berkley gulp shrimp or a gold metal flake Exude 4 inch dart. Look for hard bottom with patches of grass, rocks and sponges.

 In the back waters redfish have been holding tight to the outside keys between Pine Island and Chassahowitzka in 2 feet of water or less. Look for keys with rocks and oyster bars. These fish are are extremely wary, long accurate casts are your best bet. Top water plugs such as the Rapala Skitterwalk SW8 have been extremely effective.

Snook are in the passes, cuts, and along the beaches. Look for areas of moving water and good tidal flow. Top water plugs and suspending lures such as a Mirrodine and Mirrominnow will work well.

Hope to see you on the flats!

Captain Larry Roderick  8/02/08