Get your trout rods out

Hello there fishing buddies.
It's nearly Christmas, in case you hadn't noticed, and that can mean only one thing - it's nearly trout season again.
Captain Zach Zacharias writes in the Bradenton Herald: 'Trout season reopens on the first of 2009 in our area and a lot of big fat gulf run of specks will be found on nearshore reefs and structure along the gulf beaches of Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and Egmont Key.'
We took a special look at catching big specks on this blog a while ago, why not look it up and get tying your flies ready for January 1.
For more advice take a look at the Texas Fish and Game website, it has loads of tips on how best to sneak up on and catch these hard-fighting fish. Here's just a taste:
Have you ever wondered why the same people seem to catch the biggest fish? One big reason is that they have learned how to eliminate dead water and fish only in productive areas. “Seventy five percent of the water is unproductive,” said Captain Bink Grimes, a big trout specialist who has put clients on hundreds of big trout. “You need to eliminate barren water and focus on areas that will hold fish. Bait, moving water, and water clarity are a good start. Finding good structure is also important.
“January and February are good months to catch big trout, but the trout—especially the big ones—won't be on sand during that time; it is too cold, but that is where most people fish. When the water temperature is in the high 50s or 60s, the trout will be on mud bottoms because it is darker and absorbs more heat than sand bottoms. Shrimp and mullet will be on the mud, too.” Grimes compared working productive water to managing a baseball team: “You have to play the percentages. If the game is on the line, would you rather send in a batter that is hitting 200 or one hitting 350? Big trout don't always bite, but you increase your chances of catching one if you put yourself in the right place.”
Sounds like good advice Capt Grimes! So get out there people, and see the new year in with your best ever speck...

And tight lines everyone!