I started fishing more regularly December of last year, mostly hitting all the canals I'm fortunate to be around (mainly Cutler Drain canal system). Before spring, I'd rarely see Peas or LMB which I'm thinking is probably normal, but I'd be able to catch blindly throwing out shiners. No luck on artificials. I do see other cichlids, panfish, carp and mullet on the regular.
Fast forward to March/April timeframe and I've been spotting them near the bank at my spots. Other than blue skies typically being better for sight fishing, spotting them isn't really consistent; Mornings and early/late afternoons have all been super productive or skunky.
1) For those times when I can't see them near the bank, where should I focus casting? I know y'all will say bridge pilings, shade, structure, etc. but my experience thus far hasn't shown me that those are hot zones per se.
2) If I can spot Peas and are close to the blank and chilling, I can almost guarantee one will bite my white bucktail. Problem is, I see them lunging at the lure but not necessarily eating it (I've even hooked a few on the tail thinking a tail slap was a bite). Should I be going smaller than THIS 1/4oz Dr. Fish Bucktail? I've used a 3" paddle tail 1/8oz jig with some success too. At this point I'm thinking these things will bite anything that pisses them off so maybe sight fishing lures don't really matter as long as you cast it in front of their face.
3) BONUS – I completely understand gatekeeping spots. Hell, if I find one that is consistently productive, I wouldn't broadcast it online. I would, however, consider a DM (especially for solo fishers). If any kind soul has a spot where Pea's are typically visible from the bank or that normally has active bites happening, I would be super grateful (If you're up for it, we can hit the spot together and I'll bring the shiners!). My dad is visiting from out of the country in a few weeks and Peas are on his bucket list of fish to catch.. We'll only be able to go out once or twice so want to of course have the best chances of getting him on a Pea.
Attaching some pics of spots with clear water that I've seen on reels have site fishing. There's a red font Catch and Release sign at the location of first still.
Posted by jajg