Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and safe and happy beginning to 2017. Throughout our region, anglers should find some quality fish to brag about. To begin with, are you ready to catch a fish that is known for its explosive top water action? Than look no further than the spotted sea trout. These fish can provide some of the best top water action year round. Typically, these fish can be caught along the flats during the early morning or late evening hours when conditions are calm. Many of these trout will be in search of an easy meal such as small bait fish, shrimp or small top water lures. One lure that will receive plenty of action is Rapala’s Salt Water Skitter Walk (gold mullet). Typically, many of these trout will be feeding along the flats in three feet of water or less. Anglers will also want to fish their baits near schools of bait fish as well as near sandy pot holes. Did you know that trout have excel- lent eye sight and can be easily spooked? One way to overcome this is to make long accurate casts to a targeted area. In order to do so I suggest using a 7’ me- dium action spinning reel com- bo equipped with 20 pound test braided line and 15 pound mono leader. Attaching the braided line to the mono will work best when using a uni-to-uni knot. When attaching the lure to the mono leader you should use a Rapala knot. This knot will allow the lure to swim freely and have more ac- tion. According to the FWC, spot- ted sea trout can be caught and harvested in our region (south- east) year round. Seatrout must be more than 15 inches and less than 20 inches total length (may possess one over 20 inches in- cluded in bag limit). Also, anglers are allowed to possess up to four trout per day.
