Shrimp jumping in shallows followed by swirl is a sign of fish feeding activity

One evening last week, Brody and I were fishing top water lures for trout and redfish. The sun was getting low on the horizon, and we could feel the temperature beginning to cool off. A slight breeze made it quite comfortable.  

 

Brody and I were using the trolling motor to quietly move the skiff near a long stretch of oyster bars. Rather than blind casting the top water lure, we waited until we saw signs of active feeding. Shrimp jumping in the shallows followed by a swirl or boil on the surface is a sure sign of feeding activity. Looking down the creek, there were feeding signs everywhere.

 

Brody (the amazing fish-finding and stock-trading dog), gave me the “we should fish here look.”  I agreed and told him he could have a piece of beef jerky for every fish we caught and released. With that, Brody got extra serious about finding fish. Each time shrimp would jump, Brody would bark once and stare at the location. 

 

I would cast my Shimano popper to the designated spot. A slight twitch of the rod tip made the lure pop and splash on the surface. This proved to be irresistible to redfish, trout and ladyfish. They attacked the lure with abandon.

  

Soon, my supply of beef jerky was getting critically low. About then, Brody began barking excitedly. At first, I thought he was sounding the low beef jerky alarm. He kept on staring at the water and growling. This made me look around.  

 

To my surprise, an alligator had crept to within a few feet of the skiff. This got me scrambling to get Brody away from the edge of the boat. Then to get my iPhone for a few pictures.

 

I don’t believe the alligator had Brody in mind for dinner. However, I was surprised that this alligator had no fear of us. It remained right next to the boat. I figured it was best to give it room. So, Brody and I called it an evening.