Trout and Sheepshead are on the flats. Most of the Trout are over slot, and are not very cooperative on Arties. Acts like a spawning pattern. Sheepshead are just plain aggravating. Follow a plastic, but that is all. Most of the time the Trout will not move.
Started the day at a hot spot, at least that is what I had been told. Big Reds and Trout were supposed to be on the edge. Nothing but LadyFish and Jacks. Rough fishing as it is just off the ICW and everybody seems bent on ruining your day. Watched a Splatter Poler work the same area, he left about the same time I did. Only saw him catch two fish. On to the spoil islands. First island was did not produce a single hit. Moved to the next island. Stake out and get out to wade. Plan was to wade the Suth end then go out the bar and work the outside edge back. Almost immediately the first dark shadow went by to the outside, no problem, just a Dolphin. A few minutes later another shadow passed by on the inside again no threat, a Manatee. Getting close to the area where I want to get up on the bar and here comes a shadow straight down the edge. Problem, a five foot Shark. Slap the water to the side with the rod and she spooked. Only thing is she turned right back searching. Next slap and she was gone. Two more shadows, a big Sting Ray and a big Turtle, no problem here. Started to walk out to the end of the bar and remembered a pool on the inside. Eased over and could not believe the fish in the area. I'm standing in water that is barely 10 inches deep, and am looking at a mix of Sheepshead and Trout in 18 inches of water. The Trout closest to the edge were in the 24 inch range. Landed one that measured 24 inches.. There were a few Button Trout farther in, but it would have been a good live bait day. Next island was the same, the Trout were in less than 18 inches of water. Managed to land a 20.5 inch Trout. Off to the final stop. Once again the Trout were shallow, landed one that measured 19 inches. Once again the dark shadows were present. This time it was a trio of Black Drum in the 15 to 20 pound range. Got a good cast out in front of them and had two of them chase the plastic. No hook up just a gentle tap.
Still no grass. If you are out dump the boat and wade the shallow areas and work the pools. No limits of Trout reported this week, most of the fish are over slot.