Text & Photos by Patrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt @TheRealTupat 

A guide to Spring Fishing in Volusia County

As springtime arrives, our Florida weather is still completely up and down making for very difficult conditions. With the right bait application and finding the tide patterns, the lines have still remained tight. As soon as we get some more consistent weather the bite will really turn on full throttle. 

Backwater and Trout Fishing

In the past year, the backwater trout bite has been as epic as ever and I have found that with the good tides and free-lined mullet it’s almost a guarantee every time. 

James McNeil (pictured above) from Weymouth, MA recently visited me and we had a stellar day in the backwaters catching two trophy gator trout and many other fun species. 

What Bait to Use when Fishing this Spring in Florida

My longtime family friend Casey Collins (@CaseyColli, pictured above) caught his record spotted redfish with 67 spots. Live shrimp has been the go-to for the reds and with the warmer waters moving in we will be seeing mor e and more prowling in the shallows. 

There is nothing like a massive topwater feed and there has been no shortage of this action in the backwaters. The larger trout like to feed on mullet that look wounded at the surface of the water. I’ve been hooking all my mullet in the top anal fin and free-lining. This application works incredible and allows the trout to feel like the bait is being ambushed. Pictured above is evidence of this style. 

Patience is so key to good fishing and trusting your spots with your desired baits. 

BEST DAYS TO FISH IN APRIL: 1 – 7, 11 – 13, 18 – 20, 24 – 26 

Until next month… Cast ‘em, Hook ‘em and Catch ‘em!