The fishing this past week was a little tough for anglers fishing in and around Estero Bay. Spotted seatrout are making their way to the grass flats in 3-5 feet of water. Shrimp under a popping cork will work best as will artificials like gulp shrimp or swim baits. Use rootbeer or watermelon red for color choices. Anglers will also pick up ladyfish, jacks, pompano, and small sharks using this set-up. Cut ladyfish will work for redfish on higher water around the oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. The key to this cut bait fishing is patience, allow the scent to attract the fish to your location. The passes have been good for ladyfish, snapper, silver trout, small sharks, and even pompano. Bouncing shrimp tipped jig heads along the bottom is the ticket.