Hello anglers! It’s about to warm up. April is always an exciting month in our area. Water temps will be rising all month and the fish will be moving!
BAY: Trout fishing will get better and better through the month. It’s time to break out those top water plugs and drift the shallows. I also like to anchor up on points and back bayou areas and free line finger mullet around the boat. Be sure to set up in less than 4 feet of water and rig light for optimum casting distance. Most of my biggest trout were caught in less than 2 feet of water. If water temps reach the low- to mid-70’s, they should be cruising the flats. Redfish will be plentiful and these same tactics will produce in the shallows as well. If you commit to the back country fishing, keep a multitude of rigs on the boat, such as slip sinker and free line rigs for live bait, as well as top water plugs, soft plastics, and light jigs for your artificial arsenal.
GULF: Cobia will be on the move in the panhandle area. Be sure to have some good polarized glasses for a sight fishing opportunity. I am very selective about the days I choose to look for cobia. High winds, rough seas and overcast conditions can make for a tough day. I just keep a couple of jigs tied up just in case I see the opportunity. I rig two medium to heavy spinning rods with 50- to 60-pound braided line, then a few feet of 60-80 pound fluorocarbon leader to my cobia jig. If I locate a cobia, I cast well beyond the fish and work the jig back towards the fish. I cruise the beach at 10-30 foot depths on clear and calm days to locate them.
The near shore reefs will be holding triggerfish, amberjacks, grouper and various snappers. Mix up your gear, some heavy and some light to produce a variation of species. Live bait is always my first choice, but many fresh cut baits will yield quality fish as well.
SURF: Pompano should turn on strong this month. Remember, they’re almost always moving so if you get one, pay specific attention to the movement and get as many lines in the water as possible to hook more. I like tossing pompano jigs, but you can’t beat a sand flea or live shrimp fished on the bottom. Lots of sharks, Spanish mackerel, and blue fish will be cruising our surf too, so keep some cut baits on the heavy rigs, and a couple light spinning rods with spoons or Gotcha Plugs tied up.
Good luck and thanks for reading…Fish ON!
CAPT. JASON SHINGLER
Adrenaline On H20
Panama City, FL
(850) 348-2282