The stakes will be high when the Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series makes its debut in Sarasota, Fla. Several factors will dictate the mood of the fish from Sarasota Bay north to Tampa Bay and south to Charlotte Harbor, roughly 45 miles away. But according to veteran fishing guide Tom Stephens of Top Notch Fishing, tide and water temperature are the main things to consider when patterning early spring reds.
Low tides push the fish off the flats and into deeper cuts and canals. They also gravitate to deeper water around select residential boat docks. Depths of 3 to 6 feet are ideal.
Any number of lures should produce quality reds within the 18- to 27-inch slot, but Stephens predicts 1/4-ounce jigs and soft plastics will be the top producers. The guide recommends working baits slowly to tempt lethargic reds.