In spite of 15+ mph NE winds, Jeremy and Ashley met me at Cockroach bay in Ruskin, Fl at 8 am to put the kayaks in. The tide was low and we took our time getting out. Upon arriving to our first spot we threw sebile stick shads near the mangroves and the deeper water adjacent to them looking for snook, redfish and trout. We were successful landing a handful of all three species before moving on and out into the wind again.
The wind made things difficult and we spent a little time without a bite. After a brief lunch break and after the tide had moved in, we began fishing around some small mangrove islands and oyster bars. It wasn’t long before Ashley was hooked up with the biggest redfish off the day! After landing and taking a few photos we promptly released him and kept fishing.
Now, with the winds at our backs, we worked our way back to the launch. Jeremy and Ashley were able to pick up a few more fish in spite of the tough conditions including the rare sheepshead on an artificial! Eventually we made it to the mangrove trails and were able to enjoy calm water and beautiful surroundings for the rest of our paddle back through the mangrove tunnels.
By Spencer Goodwin
