It's "SumoTime" On Redfish

Capt. Mark Howard of SumoTime Charters said redfish are being cooperative as the wintertime fishing pattern takes full effect.

He said on a recent charter with Anna Maria Island resident Doug Terry and his son-in-law, Nick, the anglers were able to land redfish to 13 pounds fishing tight to deep-water docks.

The bait of choice was live, select shrimp, or two small shrimp rigged tandem on the hook with a split shot.

He said the extra low tides will also provide excellent opportunities to wade fish for  redfish and speckled trout. On the extreme low tides, Howard suggests wading to the pot holes on the flats surrounded with exposed sea grass. Using artificial baits or live shrimp, slowly work your rig to the pothole for what Howard called, "fishing in a barrel action."

"Sheephead fishing is starting to come on and will only get better as the winter time pattern advances," Howard said. "Remember the speckled trout fishing season opens on Jan. 1. This past year bodes well for the upcoming opening of the speckled trout season as my parties have been having a banner year catching a lot of oversized ones."