Fishing Tips for Redfish, Speckled Trout & Sheepshead

Destin Inshore Bay & Flats Fish Report:
Fishing Tips for Redfish, Speckled Trout & Sheepshead

The weather this past weekend was great. The fish have really started to show up in a big way. The redfish bite has turned on really nice on the Destin Inshore Bay. Prime spots to look for the redfish are around the deeper water docks in excess of 5 feet. Also if you’re seeing mullet in this same environment, it’s a sure bet that the redfish are lying underneath them. Baits of choice for these redfish have been live shrimp, pinfish and finger mullet.

Speckled Trout have also started to chew pretty aggressively around the Destin Inshore Bay Flats. Prime Speckled Trout areas seem to be where a freshwater source enters the Destin Inshore Bay and Flats. During early spring, I prefer to throw artificial bait imitations of the surrounding fingerlings that these trout are gorging themselves on. Mirrodine’s in your favorite color seem to elicit quick strikes from these hungry trout.

The sheepshead bite has remained super hot, but they are starting to migrate away from the Destin Inshore Bay bridges to their springtime breeding areas in the Destin Near Shore Gulf. The Destin Jetties have produced some of the best fishing action for sheepshead this past week. Same baits that have claimed their share in the Destin Inshore Bay will still work in the Destin Near Shore Gulf. Live Shrimp and Fiddler Crabs will still be highly attractive to the “Convict Fish.” The only change you’ll really need to make when fishing for the sheepshead as they move towards the Destin Near Shore Gulf, is switching to a 2 ounce slip lead as opposed to the 1 ounce slip lead you would utilized in Destin Inshore Bay, mainly due to current movement.