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• December 2011

Final fishing fling for 2011

Posted Dec 27, 2011 by Tribune Sports

Updated Dec 27, 2011 at 06:17 PM

BY RAY MARKHAM

The final week of the year always makes me reflect on the year past. The BP oil spill continued to have an affect on tourism in the state, and businesses around the coast have been down, but as for the fishing, or catching, I should say - both have been excellent. Still, it’s been another year of rebuilding for snook populations, and that will continue.

Redfish and trout fishing have both been very good. In fact, the powers to be say trout have rebounded so well from red tide of 6 or 7 years ago that they will eliminate the closed seasons beginning in 2012. In less than a week, anglers will be able to take home a limit of four trout again in the South Region. The new DOA CAL Deadly Tandems promise to be some of my most effective soft plastic baits for trout, along with CAL Jigs with Shad tails, the DOA Shrimp, and the MirrOlure Lil‘ John. Even with no closed seasons, trout will continue to maintain a very healthy fishery. Redfish are also doing quite well, and bag and size limits remain unchanged for the beginning of 2012.

The big surprise for 2011 was the outstanding year we had for flounder. Flatties were plentiful and for most trips throughout the year we’ve been able to catch several on nearly every trip when we’ve targeted them, to add to the day’s catch. I don’t foresee that changing for 2012.

This year will be going out with a bit cooler week, but make no mistake, the weather here is beautiful and we’re well above the norm in warmth for this time of year. Look for fishing to remain on a strong note into 2012, when we’ll kick of the New Year with one of the best starts in decades!

Happy New Year, my fishy friends!

Ray Markham of Backwater Promotions runs the Flat Back II out of Terra Ceia and can be reached for charter at (941) 723-2655.