If you fish spoil islands, you will be able to take advantage of the many structure changes such as rocks, sand, grass and the occasional oyster bar. The north side of most of these islands feature a rocky shoreline. “If you anchor within casting distance from the islands and place some bait like shrimp on a jig head, keeping it in and around the rocks, you should likely pick up sheepshead, redfish and some trout,” said Rieumont. He also has had success suspending a shrimp under a float and letting it drift along the shoreline.

Out from the spoils will be some productive grass flats. “Casting your bait out into the lush grass and sand holes should yield trout, bluefish and the occasional pompano.”

Captain CA Richardson reports that redfish numbers are increasing in the shallows from Fort DeSoto all the way up to Anclote. “Sheepshead are still a solid target, mostly in residential canals. Small hooks and small, fresh-cut shrimp ensures a good day of fishing around the docks. I’ve also been catching lots of whiting in the channels using this same method.”