Hey anglers! I hope you are staying warm. It is dipping into the low 60's at night here in West Central Florida. Cool in the morning, but comfortable in the afternoon. Don't miss me on 970 WFLA on the radio or online Saturday Nov. 17th from 6 - 9 a.m. I will be the guest Captain on 'The Capt. Mel Show'. I have been quite busy on the water. Here is what's happening.The water temperature has dropped to the mid 60's bringing a change in fish behavior. Lately, we have had to look inshore along the eastern shorelines for Redfish and Snook. The Reds are starting to feed well on the outgoing water and are out on the flats more than in the mangroves. The outgoing tide pulls warm water out of the bayous stimulating the fish to eat. However, the clear skies will provide enough sun for them to eat in the morning if the conditions are right. I have been focusing on oyster bars and seawalls facing the sun. Sardines under a cork or soaking cut baits has worked well. Clear water means staying a good distance from the fish and using the winds to make a long cast to these bars. Also, the sandy potholes in front of the mangroves have held plenty of Reds as well as some bigger Trout.The Mackerel bite is pretty hot right now. They are all over the local piers and are schooling a mile offshore. On calmer days, I have been able to run out there and hook up to these aggressive fish. Kingfish are following the Spanish Mackerel as well. We have been able to land a few of them while freelining baits waiting for the Spanish to hit.
Snook have been eating mostly on those outgoing tides but always be prepared for a hungry Snook to strike when you least expect it. They are responding most to the Greenbacks freelined or corked along the deeper edges near oyster bars and seawalls. Docks along the main shore are starting to hold good numbers of Snook. They are preparing to head east when the temps get even cooler. I don't fish for the Snook through winter, giving them a break while they try to survive in the cold waters. However, there is plenty of time to still get a few before the end of their season, November 30th.
Trout are starting to gather well along the spoil islands and are still on the flats where the water pours in and out from the gulf. Small plastic tails and greenbacks alike have been getting eaten by these guys. Somedays it is possible to catch over 50 Trout in a short period. The bigger Gator Mouth Trout are starting to show but the majority are the usual 15 - 18 inchers. Smaller Sardines floated under a cork on the grass flats can often draw several Trout to strike at the same bait. Be careful releasing any Trout. they are very fragile, especially as the water temps drop. Handle only when necessary and always wet your hands first to prevent removing their protective slime. Well that is the report for now. Going into the cooler months we should see clear skies and even clearer water. Have no fear, the fishing is fun even on the cold days! Please book now for Thanksgiving week!Capt. Brian
Captain Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
http://www.captbrian.com/
