Myhometownfishing.com

Team Seatrout Tournament - Sunday, May 20th

From Pat Irwin, Team Seatrout Tournament Co-Director:

The 3rd SeaTrout Tournament Series tournament will be this Sunday May 20th out of Jerry's Bait and Tackle. Jerry's as well as Kevin's will have signup forms Tuesday for early entry into the Team Seatrout Tournament. (Entries dropped off at Kevin's must be in by Friday at 5pm)

Big Trout Prize is a $50 Gift card to South Georgia Outdoors (Thanks to Heath Sanders and SGO)

Pat would like to start a roll call and see who's coming out. Fishing should be great. Let Pat know your intentions for Sunday fishing by posting on BigBendFishing.net.

See you there.....

Rules are below.

Series runs from March to November (schedule below)
$50 entry
Two-person teams
Artificial Only
Five trout stringers, two Trout over 20” can be weighed per team
All weigh-ins at Jerry’s Bait and Tackle allowing you to fish wherever you want
Sign up a week in advance so no need to check-in on tournament morning
Payout top three teams
Prizes for big trout and big redfish for each tournament
5% of tournament entries go to the Team of the Year (alternate partner allowed for one tournament)
TOY winner is determined by total weight for the year

Flyers are available at Jerry’s Bait and Tackle, Kevin’s, South Georgia Outdoors.

Fishing Forecast

FISHING - Our Weekend Ahead

Synopsis...THE GRADIENT BETWEEN HIGH PRESSURE ALONG THE EAST COAST AND A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE OVER THE SOUTHEAST GULF OF MEXICO IS JUST TIGHT ENOUGH TO BE RESULTING IN WINDS NEAR CAUTIONARY LEVELS THIS MORNING. THESE NORTHEAST WINDS WILL DIMINISH DURING THE AFTERNOON...BUT SURGE UP AGAIN OVERNIGHT. WE ARE FORECASTING EXERCISE CAUTION CONDITIONS AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND SPEEDS WILL ONCE AGAIN DROP OFF DURING THE DAY ON SUNDAY AND REMAIN BELOW HEADLINE CRITERIA FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE FORECAST PERIOD. ONCE SURFACE HIGH PRESSURE SLIPS SOUTH OF THE WATERS ON MONDAY...WINDS WILL REMAIN LIGHT ONSHORE...GENERALLY OUT OF THE SOUTHWEST THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

Today...Northeast wind 10 to 15 knots becoming southwest around 10 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 feet subsiding to 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters a light to moderate chop. Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Tonight...Northeast wind around 10 knots increasing to around 15 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet building to 2 to 3 feet. Protected waters a light to moderate chop.

Sunday...Northeast wind around 15 knots becoming southwest around 10 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 feet subsiding to 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters a moderate chop becoming a light chop.

****************

Great looking weekend of fishing ahead.....Marine Forecast couldn't get too much better....today should be a fine start to the weekend of fishing......no thunderboomers lurking out over Apalachee Bay like we had back on Wednesday....light winds from the NE and seas 2 to 3, calming towards the afternoon hours on a long, strong falling tide.....the Moon is working towards a better phase, much more conducive to "catching 'em up"

So, stop reading now and get out there to catch 'em up as the trout, reds, cobia & grouper are all cooperating right now....

The surface water temp is officially back up to 80 off Apalach.....with the return of the hot days it will be steadily climbing towards bath tub water temps..........it would be nice if it went no higher, but warming waters are a given as the afternoon Sun moves more & more overhead on the road to Summer........

Yes, the Flats Explosion was HERE, but not for long as that water temps have inched up there towards the realm of lukewarm bath water temps........Trout, Reds, Mackeral, Blues, Cobia are all roaming the Flats now, with the grouper holding close with the cooler water temps, but soon you'll only be finding them in water 30 ft deep or more & the Kings & AJs are outside in the deeper blue waters..............

Get out there and Just FISH!

Stop by Jerry's Bait on the Woodville Highway to pick up a couple of dozen or so LIVE shrimp......with shrimp & eats in hand, then go soak a shrimp or two under a Cajun Thunder or slow work a shrimp tipped jig and should that not suit your fancy.........or work a stick bait, like a gold Bomber or Redfin or maybe the twitch bait.......regardless of how you fish, Go Fish!!!!

As always, be a wise angler/boater to take a moment to check the full Marine Forecast as you plan your fishing excursions these next couple of days prior to heading out blindly..........know where the lines of afternoon thunderboomers are as playing "dodge lightning" on the water ain't for the faint of heart.....

A thing to remember when it comes to keeping fish measuring right on the lower end of the slot, once on ice fish tend to shrink an eighth to a quarter of an inch, making that 15" trout or 18" red a "short" in the eyes of the FWC Officer.....err on the side of caution, make your own bottom slot limit an inch over regulations.....eliminate the hassle of a ticket, while bringing a heavier limit to the hill.....

Gulf Coast Tides Chart

Description: Helpful tide chart link for those needing to have a little information on the tides to our south and west. Hope you find this link handy as you travel to other fishing sites around our coastline.

Aucilla River Entrance, Florida

St. Marks River Entrance, Florida

Shell Point, Florida

Panacea, Dickerson Bay, Florida

Bald Point, Ochlocknee Bay, Florida

Alligator Point, St. James Island, Florida

Turkey Point, FSU Lab, Florida

Carrabelle, Carrabelle River, Florida

Dog Island, west end, Florida

Marine Forecast for Apalachee Bay thru Wednesday, May 23rd

NWS Tallahassee, FL

Zone Forecast: Apalachee Bay or Coastal Waters from Keaton Beach to Ochlockonee River FL out to 20 NM (GMZ730)Mobile Weather Information

Last Update: 332 AM EDT SAT MAY 19 2012

Synopsis...THE GRADIENT BETWEEN HIGH PRESSURE ALONG THE EAST COAST AND A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE OVER THE SOUTHEAST GULF OF MEXICO IS JUST TIGHT ENOUGH TO BE RESULTING IN WINDS NEAR CAUTIONARY LEVELS THIS MORNING. THESE NORTHEAST WINDS WILL DIMINISH DURING THE AFTERNOON...BUT SURGE UP AGAIN OVERNIGHT. WE ARE FORECASTING EXERCISE CAUTION CONDITIONS AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND SPEEDS WILL ONCE AGAIN DROP OFF DURING THE DAY ON SUNDAY AND REMAIN BELOW HEADLINE CRITERIA FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE FORECAST PERIOD. ONCE SURFACE HIGH PRESSURE SLIPS SOUTH OF THE WATERS ON MONDAY...WINDS WILL REMAIN LIGHT ONSHORE...GENERALLY OUT OF THE SOUTHWEST THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

Today...Northeast wind 10 to 15 knots becoming southwest around 10 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 feet subsiding to 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters a light to moderate chop. Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Tonight...Northeast wind around 10 knots increasing to around 15 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet building to 2 to 3 feet. Protected waters a light to moderate chop.

Sunday...Northeast wind around 15 knots becoming southwest around 10 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 feet subsiding to 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters a moderate chop becoming a light chop.

Sunday Night...Northeast wind around 10 knots. Seas around 1 foot. Protected waters smooth to a light chop.

Monday...North wind around 5 knots becoming southwest around 10 knots in the afternoon. Seas around 1 foot. Protected waters smooth becoming a light chop.

Monday Night...Southwest wind around 10 knots becoming west 5 to 10 knots. Seas around 1 foot. Protected waters smooth to a light chop.

Tuesday...Southwest wind around 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth becoming a light chop.

Tuesday Night...Southwest wind around 10 knots becoming west 5 to 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth.

Wednesday...Southwest wind around 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth becoming a light chop.

2012 Seatrout Tournament Series

Series runs from March to November (schedule below)

$50 entry

Two-person teams

Artificial Only

Five trout stringers, two Trout over 20" can be weighed per team

All weigh-ins at Jerry’s Bait and Tackle allowing you to fish wherever you want

Payout top three teams

Prizes for big trout and big redfish for each tournament

5% of tournament entries go to the Team of the Year (alternate partner allowed for one tournament)

TOY winner is determined by total weight for the year

Flyers are available at Jerry’s Bait and Tackle, Kevin’s, South Georgia Outdoors, and the Lanark Market.

--------- 2012 Seatrout Tournament Series Rules ---------

Tournament Dates: March 18, April 22, May 20, June 10, July 15, August 19, September 23, October 14, November 11

Make Up Dates: July 29, October 28. If a tournament prior to the August tournament is cancelled due to weather, the make-up date will be July 29. If a tournament prior to the November tournament is cancelled, October 28 will be the make-up date.

1. The Seatrout Tournament Series is an open tournament series. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Irwin: 850-702-6339, PIrwin@howardfert.com, or Casey Cook: 850-228-8559, tcaseycook@gmail.com

2. Two-person teams. One of the anglers must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Team members must fish on the same vessel.

3. The entry fee will be $50.00 per team per tournament. Anglers must register and pay at Jerry’s Bait and Tackle. Jerry's will open at 6:00 a.m. the morning of the tournament. Early registration is allowed starting the Monday before the tournament. Each team member will be required to sign a float plan at time of payment. All entry fees shall be paid in cash.

4. Boats entering any Seatrout Tournament Series tournament must comply with U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and abide by Florida law.

5. Anglers may launch their boats at any boat ramp. Launch time will be at safe light for every event. Safe light is defined as 30 minutes before sunrise and will be posted prior to each tournament on www.bigbendfishing.net and at Jerry’s Bait and Tackle.

6. Fishing in any marked channels is prohibited.

7. Tournament participants may only use artificial baits. Live or cut bait is prohibited. All fish must be caught on rod and reel. All fish must be caught alive in a conventional sporting manner. Wade fishing is prohibited.

8. Weigh-Ins will start at 3:30 p.m. at Jerry’s Bait and Tackle (664 Woodville Hwy, Crawfordville). Anglers must be checked in with the tournament directors by 3:30 p.m. or else they will not be allowed to weigh fish.

9. The Tournament Director reserves the right to inspect any vessel or vehicle for illegal fish at any time. Failure to allow for a thorough inspection shall result in immediate dismissal from that day’s event. Further, that team shall be prohibited from attending or competing in any Seatrout Tournament Series event. All entry fee money shall be forfeited.

10. Each team may possess two limits of speckled trout (15"-20"). Teams shall ONLY weigh in five (5) fish. Two of the five trout may be over 20 inches. All fish will be measured with the mouth closed and the head against the golden rule headboard, tail pinched. Three overslot (20"+) trout brought to the scales will result in the disqualification of that team. Attempting to weigh underslot fish (less than 15") will also result in disqualification. There are no exceptions. Any illegal fish brought to the scales shall be the responsibility of the angler. Courtesy measures are available prior to the start of the weigh-in.

11. Any team which abandons the tournament prior to weigh-in time is required to check in with the tournament director.

12. Each contestant is expected to conduct themselves in a proper, courteous, and professional manner and is responsible for their own actions both on and off the water. The tournament director reserves the right to polygraph test any team at any time. Failure to comply with this rule shall result in immediate expulsion and further prohibit you from any Seatrout Tournament Series event. Both members of the team will be required to take the polygraph test.

13. Any team who requests a polygraph exam of another team must bear the cost of the exam. If the accused passes the exam, the team initiating the exam shall forfeit his polygraph exam money. If the accused fails, the accused shall reimburse the exam money to the team initiating the exam process.

14. Cancellation Policy: The decision to fish is solely the captain’s choice. All anglers fish at their own discretion and risk. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Tournament director shall have the sole discretion to cancel the tournament for (hurricanes, tropical storms, small craft advisories, etc.) In the event a small craft advisory is in effect during tournament fishing hours, the tournament will be postponed and rescheduled.

15. POINTS RACE: All teams that weigh fish shall have their weight count toward team of the year honors. After all nine events, the team with the most weight shall be recognized as Team of The Year.

16. PAYOUT:

1st – 50% of entries

2nd – 30% of entries

3rd – 15% of entries

The remaining 5% from each tournament will be held until the final tournament weigh-in and awarded to the Seatrout Tournament Series Team of the Year.

17. The tournament director shall have final authority on all matters.

The Reel Deal!

So, I have been writing these fishing forecast for over 3yrs I believe. It has been an honor to me that myhometownfishing.com has given me the privledge to represent this website. There are many of you who have been true supporters of what this site is truely all about. You understand our message, and our message is simple; we want to assist you in bettering you fishing ability. We are all fisherman and women ourselves, so we understand the importants of updated knowledge and theories of how to increase the cast to catch ratio.

With that being said,I would like to elaborate on the "reel deal" on how we do what we do, and how we have come to being successful in doing it.

Let me start with this, forecasts are difficult to write. They are difficult to write weekly especially. The reason for the difficulty is that patterns do not change on a weekly basis. Patterns change on a temperature basis! This change obviously begins with air temp which ultimately affects water temp.

Read carefully because i am about to reveal something that many folks (Captains, guides, avid fisherman) are reluctant to reveal. The reason for me divulging what I am about spread is a simple, you rarely get the "reel deal," and we want to give it to you. So, please be patient with my ramble, and I promise not to disappoint.

I am sitting in my truck, inspired by the Rolling Stones, thinking about all of my previous posts. Yes, beer is involved, but I am in a safe place in front of my house so safety ( as always ) is taken care of.

I, as many writers about fishing, have to be vague, as to where we actually catch our fish. This is emphasized even more so, for those of us who fish tournaments. Of course we need to be vague as we can't have our readers on top of our "go to " spots, so we are broad in our descriptions of where our fish are caught. This isn't to say that you have been mislead by any means. I am simply trying to pinpoint spots that should be of interest. Focused interest!

In all honesty, I do not take out many folks. Meaning, I am not a guide at heart. I am a tournament fisherman. My style of fishing is different than many of those who fish for a living. I a full time job off the water, but I LIVE for serious competitive fishing. This type of fishing has taught me the skills and knowledge that allows me to give you, the readers, accurate tips and tactics that will increase your odds at catching "that fish!" And I Absolutely love doing it!

So, let me stop blabbering, and continue on with the reason for this unexpected post.

First, I would like to say that I do not consider myself and "off shore" fisherman. Although, I have caught many above average fish, this isn't my specialty. My specialty is inshore, Trout and Redfish. This is my joy, my hobby and as many of you, a part of my life. I have honed my abilities by bouncing ideas off of many fishing partners, the most of which has been my buddy Bryce Hill.

It was Bryce who got me into the tournament arena. It was his phone call that enticed me to even consider fishing, as competition.

And folks, I am young, only 30 years of age, but I can tell you with true certainty, that tournament fishing is what led me to this. Without at doubt!

In my mind, it just goes to show, that if you really want to be a better fisherman, then you have to step up "your game." Seriously!

Tournaments are by far the best way to hone your skills. My weekly posts, I would like to think help, but there isn't anything like speaking face to face with the tournament winner (usually not me) and soak in everything you can get. That tourney winner won for a reason, sure there is luck, but that is just a minor portion.

You can only get lucky and beat the skilled, tried and true, fisherman once in a blue moon, but if you can find out how and why they won. You WILL increase your chances of taking that title for yourself.

I have touched on that enough. Tournaments are the portal to success in my mind, but for those of you who care not to participate, I completely understand. You still like to catch fish though, right? So, why don't we delve a tad bit deeper.

I talk about catching fish around Grey Mare ROCK (yes, rock is capitalized). The rock is capitalized because every rock in the area should be capitalized. When I right about fishing or Reds in this area (around Grey Mare Rock), I am not kidding. There have been numerous tournament won by myself and others, right there!

Why? Because, where there are ROCKS there are typically bait fish, specifically mullet. Now, I have written about the importants of this tasty morcel before, but I can honestly not emphasize how important this fish is.

Simply put, LOOK FOR MULLET! This is the tell tail sign that predatory fish are in the area. There is no better sign, PERIOD! Just talk to the locals, or think of it like this. Where do pinned up pigs feed? The answer is, in a trough full of scraps. Think of Mullet as a trough filled with food!

I love Redfish! Man, does it really get any better? If you haven't caught a "Red Drum" on a topwater plug, and you have fished for a while, then call me (850-459-4597). I am not looking to pick up a charter, and actually I don't want one, but I would gladly point you in the right direction.... and do so honestly and accurately if what I am about to write doesn't do the trick.

I think of the Redfish almost like a dog.... Picture a dog, or your dog, rooting around in the grass, mud or his/her food dish. When they are in the zone, there really is little you can do to gain attention. Right? Well, I have found that tailing Reds (once again call me and I can put you in the right direction) are the exact same way. We will approach a a number of tailing Reds by Grey Mare on a low tide with tails easily visible. You can throw everything in your box at them... and no response. Put your favorite GULP, Spoon, jig...whatever, in some cases, actually most cases, this will not work.

Ready? The only plug in this situation loud enough to gain attention is a topwater plug. Yes, throw that dayum topwater plug! Work it hard,

work it fast, just like you would in different situations and you will get "her" attention!

TROUT! Man, the trout... now targeting large Trout can be a true art. This fish, unlike its relative the Redfish, is far more skiddish. A LARGE Trout, in excess of 26"s is a true, once in a lifetime fish for most anglers. You generally will not catch this fish on with normal 'drift the flats with popping corks" tactics.

This gal is a different breed! She has been there and done that. Sorry, fellars, she HAS been around the block and seen it all. Just like others that have been around the "block" a time or two. You will have to find her around structure. Gotta throw a "PERIOD" in there for that as well.

Ya gotta get in shallow, and ya gotta hit that "corner!" That is where she resides.

Gotta leave you with that, the wife is calling. As always, I sencerely hope this has helped.

My best,

Eric Keyser

How? Simple! It all comes

Finally, maybe?

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — BP finally choked off the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday — 85 days and up to 184 million gallons after the crisis unfolded — then began a tense 48 hours of watching to see whether the capped well would hold or blow a new leak. To the relief of millions of people along the Gulf Coast, the big, billowing brown cloud of crude at the bottom of the sea disappeared from the underwater video feed for the first time since the disaster began in April, as BP closed the last of three openings in the 75-ton cap lowered onto the well earlier this week.

"Finally!" said Renee Brown, a school guidance counselor visiting Pensacola Beach, Fla., from London, Ky. "Honestly, I'm surprised that they haven't been able to do something sooner, though."But the company stopped far short of declaring victory over the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. history and one of the nation's worst environmental disasters, a catastrophe that has killed wildlife and threatened the livelihoods of fishermen, restaurateurs and oil industry workers from Texas to Florida.

Now begins a waiting period during which engineers will monitor pressure gauges and watch for signs of leaks elsewhere in the well. In the worst-case scenario, pressure from the rising oil could fracture the well and cause leaks to erupt across an area of the seafloor too large to cap. If engineers see any sign of a new leak, the cap will be reopened, allowing oil to spill into the sea again.

Even if the well holds out for the whole two days, the vents will be opened again and oil released while engineers conduct a seismic survey of the ocean floor to make sure oil and gas aren't breaking out of the well into the bedrock, said retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, the Obama administration's point man on the disaster. "For the people living on the Gulf, I'm certainly not going to guess their emotions," BP vice president Kent Wells said. "I hope they're encouraged there's no oil going into the Gulf of Mexico. But we have to be careful. Depending on what the test shows us, we may need to open this well back up.

Capt. Keyser's Fishing Forecast for 6/26 and 6/27

Before we get started with the forecast I would like to give a quick recap of last weekends excursion. Given that we had seas of 1ft or less I decided to take my flats boat a bit offshore to see about hooking up with some species that aren't too familiar with my livewell. We launched at Lanark, made a quick trek across the bay and loaded up with pinfish in Ballast Cove on Sabiki's. We then made a 30 minute ride to 65ft of water to try our luck on some Snapper.

Within 1.5hrs we had 17 Black Snapper and 1 keeper AJ that my fiance Nina Earle landed while free lining a live pinfish. Once chummed up the Snapper took everything from a live pinfish, cut Spanish Sardine and cut LY's. They were a blast to catch on light tackle and have made excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner over the past week. We are going to try to give it a shot this weekend if the seas lay down enough..... looks like they may.

Boom was being layed between the East end of St. George Island and the West end of Dog Island but is isn't blocking passage by any means. This is a good sign however to get out there while you can. The waters are crystal clear and the fish are hungry!

As for the inshore bite, reports are coming in stating that tons of trout are being caught on the West flat inside of Dog Island in 4 to 6ft of water using 3" Gulps. Folks are bumping the baits along the bottom slowly and this has been the go to method for those that are coming in with multiple limits. Find some spotty bottom and go to town on um'. Color of Gulp doesn't seem to matter as long as you are in the right area.

Our friend the Redfish is still cruising in his normal areas. East of the Palmetto Island is still producing quality fish and will continue to do so almost year round. Topwater in the morning, day and evening will produce strikes with these all day eaters.

The reds are all over the shorelines to the West as well. Just get shallow and work down the shorelines with topwater plugs and you will eventually locate fish.

Lastly, the shallow Gouper bite seems to be picking up. Locate rockpiles in 20 to 30ft of water, troll if the grass isn't too bad or drop pins if it is. Keepers are still shallow so you may give this a shot before burning through all of your fuel.

That's it for this week. Good luck out there!

Capt. Eric Keyser
850.509.1774

Capt. Keyser's Fishing Forecast for 6/19 and 6/20

The Big Bend Saltwater Classic is back and anglers from all over North Florida are cranking up for the big event. The tournament is a two day deal, starting first thing Friday morining and ending with last call Saturday evening. If you are not fishing this event then I strongly suggest that you make a trip down to Carrabelle to at least check out everyones catch. You name the species and I guarantee that you will see it on the scales.

It appears that we will have light winds this weeked so for you "offshorer's" the ride should be smooth. For the inshore folks this simply means it is going to be a cooker this weekend.

We have an excellent Trout high tide first thing in the morning so you will want to be targeting structure close to shore. Look for oyster bars and rock piles, depending on where you are fishing. with mullet jumping on them. This is a key sign that trout and reds are in the area. Mullet are the #1 indicator that you are in the right area. If they are there I can promise you that the fish of your fancy is right in there with them. Topwater first thing will be your lure of choice and remember to move out deeper as the sun begins to rise.

The redifish bite should be excellent first thing as well. Just make sure that you hug the shoreline and look for bait and confused water. Large schools are still pushing the flats so always be aware of your surroundings. Topwater, gold spoons and flukes will all produce fish.

The areas to the West have been out producing spots to the East. Launching from Carabelle and Lanark will be excellent spots that will put in you close proximity to great fishing. Just remember these areas will be very busy first thing Saturday morning so make sure to get there early to beat the lines other eager boaters.

The fishing patterns will not change much between now and September, just remember to fish shallow first thing and move out deeper as it begins to heat up. Stick with that pattern and you will produce.

Good luck out there! Go catch um' up!

Capt. Eric Keyser
850.509.1774

Capt. Keyser's Fishing Forecast for 6/12 and 6/13

It's that time again, and if you are like me, you will be trying to get as much fishing in as possible over the next few weeks. So lets get started!

The morning bite has by far been the best over the past couple of weekends. You have a wonderful window of opportunity from just before sun up till around 10am. I fished last weekend with Matt "Chewy" Sims and Justin Wiwi around Shell Point and the Oyster Bay area. The three of us tossed topwater lures till around 9:30am and left the water with 3 Reds for the grill and 6 trout. Not bad for 2.5hrs of fishing. We also released two over slot fish that went around 29"s. All fish were caught on the rising tide with Spooks in the Trout and Pearl colors.

This weekend I will be headed down to Lanark to launch and fish the backside of Dog Island and then mosy on over to St. George. Ideally we will be able to catch the morning trout and red bite and then head offshore for some Grouper and Snapper to solidify the day. My target will be finding spotty bottom first thing in about 2ft of water and move a bit deeper to about 4ft as the day begins to heat up.We will throw topwater lures (Spooks, Chug Bugs) as long as we are able and then probably switch over to suspending Mirror Lures when we move deeper. This has been a very succesful method for us now that the water temps are in the mid 80's.

Well that is my plan, but there are plenty of fish to be caught all over the Gulf. If you are targeting redfish then the areas just East of the Light House at St. Marks are still holding tons of fish. Locate Palmetto Island on a chart and fish the flat just East of it. Gold lures are key and you will have a good shot at seeing fish around 8am when the tide is low. Gold Bombers, Bite-a-baits, Skitter Walks will all produce fish once you find them. You will be looking for large wakes and uneasy water when trying to find the schools and as always quite is the key.

If fishing East your target depth will be shallow first thing for trout and then you will want to move out to 5 and 6ft depths around 10am. Popping corks with shrimp or grubs will produce plenty of trout if you find them. The key is move, move, move until you locate the school.

That is about it. Just remember that Summer time fishing is all about getting out there when the waters are still somewhat cool. That means early! Now is the perfect time to get out there, catch some fish and then do a bit of swimming to cool off. Good luck to everyone and post those pics!

Thanks for reading.
Capt. Eric Keyser
850.509.1774

Capt. Keyser's fishing forecast for 6/5 and 6/6

Well looks like the fishing action is still as hot as ever. Plenty of reports came in over the weekend of large trout and reds coming from all over our wonderful bay. Most of the action is coming from the West and this trend will continue on pace all through the Summer.

Hot spots have been the back side of Dog Island over spotty bottom with topwater plugs first thing in the morning. You are looking for areas in the 2 to 3ft range as the sun is rising and then you will want to move to the 3 to 5ft range as the Sun begins to rise. Bait is still extremely plentiful so make sure to look out for diving birds and flickering schools.

Another key area that you will want to try is the flat on the backside of the East end of St. George Island. The pretty clear this time of year so locating patchy bottom shouldn't take much effort. Trout in the 5lb range are becoming more and more common on this stretch of shoreline so make sure you have a good net man handy.

I always recommend topwater in the shallows, but if there is floating grass then you will need to go with something weedless. This is where a fluke rigged weedless is really your only option. Twitch this bait every 5 or 6 seconds and wait for the thump. Slowly lower your rod tip and pause until you feel weight on the end, then nail um'. I have cuaght a ton of larger trout and reds using this method and the good thing about fishing with a single hook is that the fish are able to fight in a more natural way as their isn't a huge lure hindering their natural streamlined bodies. Make sure your drag isn't too tight, because a trout caught on this type of lure will tend to run before he comes up and shakes.

To the East, the redfish is still king. There have been schools of overslot reds roaming the flats East of the St. Marks Lighthouse. Look for an awkward churning of water on a high tide and tails on a low tide. The schools are not hard to pick out once you know what to look for. Once located they will eat just about anything as long as you make a cast in their vicinity.

Cobia are being caught over rock piles in the 8 to 12ft of water range. These piles take some time to locate, but once you find them they are yours for years to come. Another way to target these fish is to bounce from channel marker to channel marker and flip a pinfish out 3ft under a cork. Give each marker a few minutes before you move to the next as the Cobia may sound at the splash of the pin/cork combo hitting the water. 5mins should be sufficient time to determine whether a fish is there or not.

THat's all I have for this week. Good luck out there!

Capt. Eric Keyser
850.509.1774