By RAY MARKHAM

Trout fishing has been on a slow upswing the past few weeks. Good numbers of specks are being caught near barrier islands from Port Manatee to Anna Maria Island. Many of the fish we are finding are on deep grass beds in 4-6 feet of water. Areas of patchy grass in open water are producing some of the largest fish, where these spots also have some hard bottom that will hold baitfish. The ready source of food nearby provides not only an area to feed, but also a place to live temporarily.

We have been catching good numbers of fish off Joe’s Island and off Emerson Point in some of the areas that hold food and offer a spot to hide. Good moving water on incoming tides is productive, using a combination of a clacking cork and an artificial shrimp. We have been using the DOA Deadly Combo with good success. CAL Jigs with shad tails also have been quite productive when fishing near the bottom.

Perhaps be best flounder bite in months has been taking place recently. Most flatties we have been catching are legal size. While not very large, these fish, ranging from 14-to 17-inches, are providing some tasty meals. Cleaning flounder is not difficult, but a sharp knife is required.

Sandy areas in Terra Ceia Bay have provided good holding spots for flounder. An ordinary jig will work well for them. Bucktail jigs in white are good, and both Love’s Lures and CAL curly-tail soft plastic jigs are catching as well. Depressions in areas that have some water movement are the best for flounder, and working the jigs around the perimeter of these holes is the ticket.

Ray Markham co-hosts “Florida Sportsman Magazine Radio Live,” Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. on WWBA, 1040 AM, and may be reached for charter at (941) 723-2655.