Spoil Islands a trout hot spot

The spoil islands left from the Intercostal Waterway dredging project have over the years become hotshots for anglers looking for big trout.
As members of Bitetracker may know, many of our best trout reports in December and January have come from this little hotbed.
As you can see from the aerial view, the little islands are adjacent to the deep water of the channel just to the west. Sitting alone on the grass flats, the islands are natural draws for baitfish seeking the safety of their shallow water beaches. Wherever there are baitfish, there are predator fish, and with healthy grass bottom surrounding them, the spoils are a major trout hangout. Prime season is the winter months. When the water is not too cold for the fish to remain in open water, these islands, which extend north and south of this view, are the place to fish for trout. Live bait is very effective because if free-lined or fished under a float, the current that sweeps around the corners carries the offering over a wide path, increasing the odds of contacting a school of fish. And when the bite is on, it usually is concentrated, as the fish bunch up tightly here.
While trout are the primary catch, redfish also are caught off the islands at times. And if they are not there, they often can be found in the shallows to the west behind Honeymoon Island. Three Rooker bar is just to the north and Anclote Park is just beyond that, two other popular trout zones.