[Capt Charlie Farrell]

CAPT. CHARLIE FARRELL’S
PORT MANSFIELD FISHING REPORT
AUGUST 12-14, 2004

North wind, cool front and confused fish.

Thurs., Aug. 12: Started the day with a cool north wind which dropped the water temperature on the flats by close to 10 degrees. Began shallow on the southeast flats and continued to cover water while working to deeper structure. While fish were present they had shut down due to the rapid change in water temperature. After the water warmed the bite slowly came back. Topwaters were thrown unsuccessfully but dark soft plastics produced well. A super slow retrieve in deep channels resulted in a hardly detectable, light bite. Most of the keeper trout were caught later in the afternoon in thick grass in 4 foot of water.

Fri., Aug. 13: Wind continued out of the north and temperatures remained cool. Tailing redfish were abundant on the northeast flats but refused topwaters, soft plastics and spoons. Warming water kick started the bite. Several undersized trout were caught with about every fifth fish being a keeper. The redfish bite picked up in the afternoon along the inside of the grass lines. The best color soft plastic was Limetruse. Fish were holding on the bottom and the bite was very light. Remember when fishing these conditions to set the hook if you’re in doubt.

Sat., Aug 14: North wind had died and the day began with dead calm water on the east flats. As in previous days the redfish were tailing. During the first hour of the morning the topwater bite had picked up from previous days. A few keeper reds intermingled with some undersized provided exciting top water action. The late morning trout bite took off pretty good with dark soft plastics working the best. Several keepers were found on the bottom in 5 feet of water in heavy grass. Most bites came as the jig head was very slowly shaken through the grass. Finished the day by picking up a few reds along the west shoreline.

Look for the pattern of an early topwater bite in the shallows followed by working soft plastics deeper later in the morning to return as the weather pattern stabilizes.

Good Fishing,

Capt. Charlie Farrell
www.sweetspotcharters.com