So far this season in the islands I’ve seen plenty of up and downs in the water temperature ball park. Typically by late May we’ll be in the upper 70’s water temperature…..this year we’ve touched on the mid-70’s after a day or two of nice sun and warm temps. However, we’ve had plenty of windy days and chilly nights which knocks the water temperature down and makes the Specks a bit finicky. On the days of sun and warming water temps the Specks have cooperated really nicely. Many great Specks on most of my trips this year into the eastern shore islands.
I’ve only had a very few flat calm beautiful days in May…….I hate that! However, even with clouds and some breeze great Specks have been had by a number of anglers using light tackle and a variety of lures like BKD’s, Gulps, Storm Shads ect……..One thing is for sure on all of my trips this year…..you never know from day to day where they will be. Not 2 days have been all that similar in where fish have been caught. I’ve covered many areas each day, blanked one day in a spot and the next day a few there…….next day nothing there and several in other areas. Moving around has been key for sure!
This young man worked off the bow of the boat with his dad on a nasty windy day in the islands. The bite was tough but he persisted all day…..he was rewarded with some really nice Specks! Great job!!!
The technique working best for me so far has been slow rolling the bottom with some abrupt twitch…..overall slow forward speed but good twitch! Current rips around structure has been the most productive with weed edges coming in second. I think as the water warms and stays above 70 and heads to 80 the bite will really turn on. Last year the month of August was the most prolific Speck month of the year……..looking forward to a great year with the Specks!