Flats Class TV

18 Feb 2010
Finally got a good weather pattern. A bright sunny afternoon. This kind of day brings the Reds out onto the flats. The first two sets were not interested. On the third stop, had a nice Red follow a jerk bait for close to 20 feet before shutting down. Could see another half dozen Reds working back under the Mangroves staked out and worked the area. No action on a tube or jerk bait so I switched to a Berkley Gulp Shrimp, a couple of swirls but no hook ups. Skipped the Gulp to the back of the Mangroves and let it sit. felt a very light tap, set the hook and a few minutes later landed a 20 inch 7 spot Red. Back on another flat that drops to deep water, picked up a Rat Red on the Gulp. There were 10 to 15 good sized Snook lazing on the flat, just keeping warm. Sorry no casts to these fish. Next stop a large area that has several islands and most of the water is less than a foot deep. First pocket, land another Rat on a tube. Next pocket get a couple of followers on the tube, no hits. Switch to the Gulp and skip it back up under the Mangroves. As soon as it gets to the back a nice Red hits, pull the hook trying to turn the fish out of the heavy cover. Skip cast to the next set and get another hookup. Again too much pressure and I pull the hook again. There were at least six more Reds with this one. Last area for the day, spot a nice Red lying just off the Mangroves. A quick cast about 4 foot in front of her gets no reaction. move the tube a little and she charges right to it and stops about 2 inches from it. Dead Stick time. After a few seconds she swims over the tube, picks it up and runs 20 feet straight at the boat. Reel like crazy to catch up, good hook set and after a short fight land her. A 23 inch 3 spotter. Send her back to play another day.

Sounds like a good day....especially for february.

Nice report.

 

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Tex