9/6/2010
Hey friends. Summer is winding down. We've entered September, football is starting up and the cooler days are around the corner. It just takes a little longer here in Florida to cool down. August was a hot one and the fishing slowed a bit too. We had to change things up to keep the bites coming, but we should have normal patterns taking over soon. The fish always respond to September. It must that internal clock of theirs. Here is what is happening out here now...
Redfishing has been tough the last few weeks. They seemed to have disappeared except for a few docks that were holding some whoppers throughout the heated days. The flats were over 90 degrees (water temp) and the mangroves I usually see them around were also void of life. I managed to scrap a few bites here and there along some of the spoil islands near the intercoastal, but it was still a slow game. Not to worry, all of the rain we've had has finally cooled the water so I am finding more fish again in the usual spots. Mullet schools have been the target. When I see the schools of Mullet choking the pockets in the mangroves, I know the Reds are close by. That is exactly what we did this week. Using the high tides to find the Reds in the Mullet schools. Mostly cut baits, Mackerel, Ladyfish, Pinfish or Mullet are my favorite.
Snook are also getting scarce. It was nice to hook them so well in the first part of the season. I think they have moved off to finish the spawn and hopefully with the Snook closure still in effect, they will bounce back quickly. They usually transition to the backcountry through September and October, stopping along the intercoastal islands on their way back. I am still working on a few groups along the inside of the barrier islands. They are wise to us now, with the pressure they received throughout the summer. They are eating on their time, not ours.
Spanish Mackerel have invaded the nearshore reefs. These have been a nice relief when looking for a lot of action. Small Sardines are the best bait to get these toothy fish biting. Long shank hooks are a must or they can go right through your leader. I like 1/0 or 2/0 Mustad long shank hooks. Mangrove Snapper are also creeping in. When we can get a bait past the Mackerel, we can catch the Snapper, Grunts and small Grouper too. Cobia can also be a nice surprise!
Trout are still hanging on the flats with good moving water. The grass flats nearest the passes are where I start. We can get them in the troughs along the beaches when the winds are out of the East. Again, I like to use plenty of Sardines to get them going.
September is always a great month for Reds, Mangrove Snapper and fishing in general. It may start slow this year since everything seems to be a month behind due to that cold winter we had. I will be out there a bunch, following the patterns for you! So call 727-365-7560 or e-mail me today to book your memorable day on the water. See ya soon!
Capt. Brian
Capt. Brian Caudill
727-365-7560
braincandle2@yahoo.com
http://www.captbrian.com/
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