http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/Captain-s-Corner-Tide-is-key-to-finding-favorite-fishing-spots_171418486

Small redfish schools are active in the Pinellas Point area after all of the afternoon thunderstorms have dropped the water temperature below 84 degrees. I have spots for a low tide and a high tide. Low-tide spots can be the most difficult to find. Redfish like to have a certain amount of water to swim in. When it gets too low, they will rapidly move to deeper water. I watch the schools’ movement every time and pay attention to which direction they fall off the flat. After years of watching schools of fish, I have put together a theory of their movements and where they are going to go on whatever the tide is doing. Figure that out and you have your own low-tide spot. The past two times, my low-tide spots have yielded decent numbers of fish that I haven’t seen in a few years. This time of year is the best for any type of bait. The water level is critical on bait choice. On low tide, reds are very wary and spook easily, therefore a light presentation is needed. Shrimp provide a light presentation and increase your chances on a hookup, or you can use a soft plastic that is rigged Texas style and provide a weedless setup. On higher tides, reds are far less spooky and eat just about any type of bait thrown at them.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visit captainrobgorta.com.

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