By Jerry Gerardi, Tallahassee Democrat
Ty Smith is considered by many to be an expert when it comes to spotted sea trout fishing in Apalachee Bay. His success is well known in local sea trout tournaments.
Recently Smith shared some (the emphasis on some) of his secrets at a seminar held at Jerry's Bait and Tackle in Crawfordville. It was a program attended by both novice and experienced anglers.
Just about everyone in attendance learned something about trout, and just in time. The season reopened Thursday.
"March is a great month for fishing the bay," Smith said. "The fish fan out from the river and creeks, where they've spent most of the winter."
He said the first thing they do is look for food. They've spent the entire winter crowded in with hundreds of other fish competing for a limited amount of food.
But once the flats warm enough for them to survive comfortably, they go on an eating frenzy that would make a Weight Watcher proud.
The trout are looking for anything edible. Shrimp are a favorite. Millions of them will be pouring out of the rivers and onto the shallows. "Look for the shrimp boats. That's where the food is, and that's where the trout will be."
Rocks also attract trout, and just about everything else. Smith said if you go east of the St. Marks Lighthouse you will find Cobb Rocks, Gray Mare rocks, Black Rock, the Rock Garden, Stony Bayou and hundreds of other unnamed "secret rocks."
The trick is to find the rocks ... before they find you.
Read the rest of Jerry Gerardi's Outdoors column in Friday's Tallahassee Democrat
http://www.tdo.com
Well said Ty 
