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Absence of Slot Reds a Mystery

Although there is a shortage of slot-size redfish, Capt. Stewart Ames reported that anglers can start hitting the surf for snook.

Posted Thu, May 5, 2011 at 10:40 pm ET|Updated Fri, May 6, 2011 at 1:26 am ET

Capt. Stewart Ames of Gone Fishing Charters said redfish in the northern Pinellas County area have been either under or over the slot.

In March, many of the reds were just under the 18-to-27 inch slot limit. So many of the reds should grown into keeper-size fish.

“So where did hey all go?” Ames said. “They should all be 20, or at least 19. In March and April we typically get schools of slot size fish.”

Ames fished inshore Thursday for redfish of 17 and 30 inches.

“This is the first time I ever remember it being like that,” Ames said, “but that could change next week.”

He said the white bait supply has been decent, the big sea trout have moved out to the beaches, and some snook have moved to the surf as well.

“The first time I saw them last year off the beaches was in June after that bad winter,” Ames said. "This is a good sign for them."

Finally, there had been some big Spanish mackerel a couple miles off the beaches, along with kingfish.

Ames can be reached at 727-421-5291 or sames001@tampabay.rr.com. His website is www.tampa-fishing-charter.com.