Estero Bay Sea Trout Bite is On Fire

The warmer weather has finally arrived in southwest Florida and the fish are responding. On recent trips in Estero Bay the sea trout have been everywhere and most are in the slot with a few over. The bait of choice is live shrimp either on jigs or under popping corks. Artificial soft plastics are also very productive but work them slowly near the bottom. If its action you are looking for there are tons of ladyfish on the flats. As a matter of fact, it can be tough to get baits through them to find the trout! Remember... ladyfish make excellent cut bait so keep a few if you are planning on hunting for redfish. The nearshore reefs are finally starting to turn on after the extended cold spell. There are lots of nice sized mangrove snapper and sheepshead to be had. Just drop small offerings of shrimp on small circle hooks on rock piles or reef ledges.