Started out the day later because of the cold. When we put in the wind was blowing more than expected so hugged the mangroves all the way out to the flats. We saw small groups of reds here and there but we new they were in big numbers out on the flats so we kept moving. Finally we reach the flats. Almost immediately we started picking up small tout and huge lady fish.But, no redfish were in site?After going through about a whole pack of jerk baits we decided to get closer to the bank. Because we had gotten a late start, there were a few boats already working the mangroves, So we patiently waited until we got an open. Soon as we got close I picked up a nice snook. As we drifted down the mangroves we started seeing redfish everywhere but they were very spooky from all the boat pressure. Mean while drifting we picked up a gator trout and another nice snook. We still had no reds! Finally the boat traffic cleared and the reds started get more active. One guy was throwing cut bait and he picked up the biggest red of the day at 27 inches. Two of us continued throwing artificial which we picked up our reds on mirrolures and jerk baits. The fish were getting so aggressive that they were literally fight over the top water lure! Managed to pick up a nice trout on the ol spook jr.. Turned out to be a pretty solid day me for being able to put point on the board for the tournament I was in. We headed in just before the park closed. Another great day on the west coast of Florida!
