11-17-2000, 04:32 PM
Capt. Kevin Chamberlain<br><br>Fishing potholes near shallow grass flats around Sarasota Bay has made for some very productive mornings. Early low tides have had redfish and snook staging on the deeper edges, waiting for the water to push in. As it does, they'll move up on the flat, spread out, and feed. <br> <br>Finding fish stacked up in these areas, before they move, can mean hot action, not to mention several tight lines and more than a grin to two. The secret is finding them in these concentrations. Once they move, they'll scatter, and the game plan changes.<br> <br>Locating a hole that holds fish is a matter of paying your dues. You might have to try several before that first hook-up. Holes are usually light colored, sandy areas that are deeper than the grass surrounding them. They can be difficult to see without polarized sunglasses, or at times of low light. <br> <br>A good approach is a silent one. Anchor within casting distance and fan-cast your lure or fly to cover the closest side of the hole. If you don't get tight there, move up and cover the rest. Early in the day, redfish and snook have been laying on the edges, where sand and grass meet. Points and pockets are good areas to target, too. <br> <br>Once the fish move up on the flat, they'll usually spread out to feed in the skinny water. The higher the sun gets, the easier it is to spot them, whether they're in the holes or over grass. Another way to locate them is by tossing artificial lures or flies. You can cover a lot of water while increasing your odds. <br> <br>Again, a quiet approach is preferred, these fish will be very spooky. Poling the boat or wading are the best methods. An electric trolling motor will work, but may put the fish on edge in clear, shallow water. <br> <br>Flats in North Sarasota Bay have produced several redfish and snook. Most of the snook have been on the smaller side, up to 3 pounds. Redfish were mostly in the slot, between 18 and 27 inches, with one that went 28 inches, weighing 7 1/2 pounds. Gold D.O.A. Shrimp, MirroLure's Top Pup in chartreuse and weedless gold spoons all worked well.<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 http://www.flatsangler.com.<br><br><br>