Several Pasco County fishing captains report strong inshore action despite recent windy conditions limiting offshore opportunities. Trout, redfish, and snook are the primary species being targeted in protected creeks, canals, and the backwaters of the Cotee and Anclote rivers. The changing weather patterns have caused fish to move into these sheltered areas where they can be found in clusters during feeding times. Live sardines remain an effective bait early in the day, though live shrimp and soft plastic jigs are becoming more important as waters cool. Anglers have achieved success catching large trout up to 24 inches in sand holes near Hudson Beach and finding schools of redfish pushing into protected areas. The overall sentiment remains positive as fishermen adapt their techniques to exploit the current conditions successfully in various locations from inland rivers to coastal flats.
Key Points:
- Capt. Cody Albright has been working backwaters including creeks, canals, and inside the Cotee and Anclote rivers to avoid windy conditions
- Trout up to 24 inches have been caught in sand holes on the grass flats off the Hudson Beach area using jigs
- Capt. Josh Fritz reports finding schooling redfish up to 29 inches on bars and outside hard-bottom points as well as in backwater areas
- Capt. Matt Cowden has been putting anglers on inshore slams including trout, reds, and snook on the same trip due to ideal water temperatures
- Live sardines have been the best bait for redfish though cut bait is also an option when sardine schools are harder to find
