Inshore action is excellent

Opportunities to catch the inshore slam -- a snook, redfish and trout -- in one day don't get much better. New regulations have lowered the bag limit to one fish per person and have closed the season in the Gulf for May.

Though we probably won't see the effects for a couple of years, the laws may help future snook populations immensely.

For now, the thickest concentrations of large snook remain on the beaches. Anclote Key, Three Rooker Bar, Honeymoon Island, and Caledesi Island have large populations of pre-spawn snook lining up in the shallows.

A dramatic decrease in fishing pressure the past few weeks seems to have done wonders for them. These fish have been quite willing to bite a greenback flipped out in front of them on light tackle.

The ideal time to try for snook on the beach is early in the morning, just before sunrise, or right at sunset. These low light conditions keep the snook from getting spooked, which often is a problem in clear, shallow water.

Large trout are out in force. These fish, well over 20 inches, are in loose schools on near-shore grass flats during the high tide.

Top-water plugs and weedless jerk baits have been quite effective in depths 2 feet and less. In water more than 3 feet, try using white, silver or chartreuse jigs. Artificials allow you to cover more ground when the fish are so spread out.

Often, bites will come a couple at a time, as the fish swim in loose groups. While reeling in a fish, keep an eye on the others, following the one on line.

At low tide, the trout will group in thicker concentrations and flee the grass flats for deeper potholes and dropoffs along the flat. When the fish are in such a concentration, live bait is much more effective.

Redfish have been been in loose schools at high tide.

Since reds largely rely on sense of smell to feed, dead baits are extremely effective in drawing them in. Fresh chunks of mullet, pinfish or ballyhoo are my favorite cut baits.

During the high tide, cast baits in all directions. If there are any redfish around, this stinky bait undoubtedly will attract them.

Reds are seeking the protection and the shade of mangrove shorelines during extremely high tides, so dead baits are effective. They don't swim out of the strike zone, and they lure the fish from underneath the trees. The reds may be as far back as 10 feet. On falling tides, the redfish will slide off the flats for deeper edges and potholes, as do the trout. They will take dead baits, but using a live sardine will provide the opportunity to catch a snook. As soon as the tide turns and comes in, the reds will flood the flat in search of small fish and crustaceans exposed by the water movement. Top-water lures usually are effective during this phase, provided they're weedless.

The water temperature has not climbed to the point that the fish have become sluggish or disinterested, so take the time to go out and catch an inshore slam or two.

-- Capt. Pete Katsarelis charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at (727) 439-3474 or by e-mail at inshoreadventure@aol.com.

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