Loner Trout, Redfish, Sweeping Terra Ceia

Capt. Ray Markham of Backwater Promotions reported trout in the Terra Ceia Bay area have ranged from 14 to 25 inches and have been caught in all depths of water.

"Plenty of legal-sized trout are being caught in deeper grassy areas with depths ranging from 5 to 8-feet of water," Markham said. "Most fish are 15 to 18 inches long here. When moving to some shallow grass flats in the 1- to 3-foot range on sunny days, we’re finding some of our largest speckled trout."

Markham said the fish are moving alone, mostly sitting on the edges of sandy holes. He recommends jigs with a swimming action, such as CAL jigs with shad or curly tails on a 1/4-ounce jig.

Finally, he said flounder are being caught in the same areas as redfish in Terra Ceia and Tampa Bay. "One common thread between the two species is that they both feed off the bottom, and small dark crabs are being consumed by both fish," Markham said."Eppinger Rex half-ounce gold spoons, CAL Jigs with Shad tails, and MirrOlure Lil’ John soft plastic jerk baits are catching both species."