A good pair of polarized glasses completes the basic outfit. You're blind without them, and if you can't spot the fish or their shadows on the bottom, you can't get the bait to it.

Bayside anglers also need a boat, since this side has a softer bottom and is not always suited for wading. On the ocean side, walk to your hearts content. There are numerous state and country parks that provide access to the flats for waders.

WACCASSASA BAY REDFISH
Located between Cedar Key and Yankeetown, Waccasassa Bay may not be the best-known redfish hole in the state. But, this month it can be one of the more productive and there are several reasons for that.

Foremost is that it doesn't get a lot of angling pressure. Nearby ramp facilities are limited to a single boat launch at the end of Levy County Road 326 out of Gulf Hammock. From there it's a few mile run down the Waccasassa River to the bay itself. Secondly, it's an area in which you have to pay attention while running. Oyster shell bars abound, and this is also one of the few areas in Florida that actually has some good-sized rocks. You can bust a prop if you're not careful.

"When you combine the lack of pressure with all that oyster and hard bottom you wind up with an outstanding redfish hole," offered Capt. Jimmy Keith, a veteran Big Bend guide who has been fishing the area for many years.

"This is an overlooked area that can produce a lot of big reds this month. The bay is a good-sized area with a lot of offshore bars and reefs. But, first time anglers might want to think shallower."

As you come out of the marked river channel, around Marker 9, turn to the northwest and concentrate on the shoreline area and maze of feeder creeks around Tripod Point. This can be a prime spot on a high tide. Another option is to turn south towards Turtle Creek Point, pass that and head to South Mangrove Point, and enter the backwaters of Lows Bay on the peak of the flood tide.

Both areas are replete with hard oyster cover and anglers will want to choose their tackle accordingly. One of the most effective redfish lures over shallow oyster is a one-half ounce floating Rat-L-Trap in gold. It has the same redfish mesmerizing characteristics as a good spoon, but won't run more than about two feet deep -- floats at rest -- and has a much longer life span around oyster. Another good choice is a five-inch hard plastic jerkbait (for the same reason). Plastic tailed jigs (a combo of chartreuse/red or motor oil flake are effective choices) can be effective, especially in deeper channel cuts between the oysters.

To spend a day exploring Waccasassa Bay for redfish with Capt. Jimmy Keith, contact him at (352) 472-7296)

PANHANDLE POMPANO
When it comes to being a glamour fish the pompano doesn't quite measure up to its larger cousin, the permit. But, when it comes to sitting pretty on the table -- with whatever garnish you prefer -- pompano rank right up there with the best!