11-08-2000, 06:51 PM
Capt. Kevin Chamberlain<br><br>Targeting redfish, snook and trout on area flats proved to be tougher than it should have been this time of year. Fishing in shallow water early in the week produced only an occasional small snook or redfish. However, later in the week the action picked up, the flats came alive and produced the kind of catches we normally expect this time of year.<br> <br>Anglers landed several trout to 2 1/2 pounds, jack cravalle to 3, flounder and ladyfish on the deeper grass flats in Terra Ceia Bay, around Terra Ceia Point and the outside grass around Rattlesnake Key and Joe Bay. Mirrolure's Top Dog Jr. and Top Pup, D.O.A.'s Shrimp and Terroreyz, and Slimy Slugs were the best baits. <br> <br>Redfish to 3 pounds and snook to 2 1/2 were also landed early in the week near oyster bars in Terra Ceia Bay, and around Sister Keys in Miguel Bay. Weedless gold spoons proved best in the skinny water.<br> <br>Redfish to 5 1/2 pounds and snook to 4 pounds ate gold spoons in Sarasota Bay near Long Bar and Sister Keys. Trout to 17 inches and jacks to 7 1/2 pounds took chartreuse and white Clouser flies near the Ringling Flats, Whale Key and Long Bar. Trout and flounder to 15 inches also took D.O.A. Shrimp and Slimy Slugs in the same areas.<br> <br>Just a reminder, trout season closed on November 1st and will reopen on January 1, 2001.<br><br>Thanks,<br>Capt. Kevin<br> <br>To see photos from recent trips, click on www.flatsangler.com.<br><br><br>