Twitch Baits Slowly Along The Bottom

Early November '08 Fishing Report

Although the winds have been stronger than we like several days this past week proved to be better than weather conditions would have suggested. Fishing in the north Indian River was a bit hit or miss, but the hitting was grand Wednesday and Thursday!

Monday Pete and Linda of London, England (thanks Capt Tom) joined me for a bit of bait soaking. We fished a little south of Parish Park where I did well a couple of weeks back. Pete quickly caught a lower slot red before the light winds turned up their volume to full blast. It became necessary to move to a more sheltered locale where only catfish seemed to live. More moving brought similar results and we decided to cut our full day to a half and lick our wounds.

Wednesday, Mike (CustomRod) was onboard for an attempt at sight-fishing. While conditions were not conducive for this we had no trouble finding plenty of action. We spotted several schools of fish appearing to be upper-slot reds on the west shore of the north IRL. In fact they turned out to be black drum and ounce my slow acting mind figured this out and Mike tied on a DOA shrimp is only took 1 well placed cast to hear the drag scream! Mike also caught 4 reds while blind casting to nervous bait pods and I managed 1 red over 10 pounds doing the same from the platform. The reds all ate soft plastic twitch baits worked SLOWLY along the bottom…

Thursday my Londoner’s were back for more and they went home with great big smiles. It will always amaze me how different a day or two can make in the world of fishing even though conditions are virtually the same. Still fishing the north IRL as we did the day before I could not find the blackies, but we had plenty of action on redfish. Like our first trip, soaking cut mullet was the order of the day and spending 15 minutes at a spot and moving if no results were had was the game plan. I’m happy to report this plan was picture perfect and of the 6 reds Pete and Linda caught only 2 were in the slot the other 4 were 8+ to 13+ pounds. We only had 1 spot were we caught 2 reds before the catfish forced us to move. I’m sure we caught at least 3 dozen catfish and it didn’t seem to bother these folks in the least! As a note, the reds were NOT hammering the mullet. Once a bite was detected, opening the bail and letting them mouth the bait for a few (15-20) seconds resulted in more hook-ups Making a final stop near the ramp Pete hauls in a near 7 pound trout and Linda does battle with a sting ray with a 30 inch wing span at a place we call “Last Chance”!

Friday I was joined by Dr. Bill and at his request we fish from Oak Hill. Finding fish around 3 Islands, Bill quickly boated an undersized red on an Exude Dart. Switching to a Skitterwalk he then hooks a MONSTER trout that tangles the plug into the grass and comes un- buttoned. So ends our bite for the day. We find more fish around Middle Island, but they wanted nothing to do with us, our plastics, our mullet or our live shrimp!

Posted on 12 Nov 2008 by Capt. Mark

Captain Mark Wright
cell - 321-302-3474
home - 321-264-3474
e-mail: CaptMarkWright@earthlink.net

As Water Cools, Shalows Get Hot

Capt. Rick Grassett’s Fishing Report for 10/24 through 11/9/2008

Anglers fishing with me on the Snook Fin-Addict, out of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters on Siesta Key, had good action in the coastal gulf with Spanish mackerel and reds, snook, trout and blues on the flats of Gasparilla Sound and Sarasota Bay recently. Fishing was best for Spanish mackerel in the coastal gulf during the week of 10/27. Water temperatures cooled by 5 degrees or more following a front and then fishing in shallow water got hot.

Fly angler Jeff Romine, from Tulsa, OK, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Friday, Oct. 24th. It rained hard in the morning but we finally got our trip underway at about 11 AM. We fished into the afternoon and caught a few fish on deep grass flats with Ultra Hair Clouser flies before conditions deteriorated again later in the day. John Skivington, from NY, fished the coastal gulf off Siesta Key with me on Mon, Oct. 27th. He had fast action with big Spanish mackerel and little tunny on flies, CAL jigs and top water plugs. Cliff Ondercin, from Sarasota, FL, and his dad, Dennis Ondercin, from OH, fished the same area with me the next morning but the wind kicked up and forced us to fish inside after catching a couple of little tunny on a top water plug and a CAL jig. They caught a couple of reds and trout on CAL jigs in Roberts Bay in the afternoon. Finding a spot to fish out of the wind was a challenge.

Brenda Sandifer, from Tampa, FL, and her brother Jimbo Sandifer, from Lithia, FL, fished Gasparilla Sound with me on Wednesday. They had steady action catching numerous trout and 5 reds on DOA Deadly combos and CAL jigs with shad tails. Fly angler Clark Keator, from Orlando, FL, fished with me on Thursday. We fished deep and shallow grass flats and while the action wasn’t fast we caught a few fish. Fly anglers Mark Eddy, from CO, and his guest Andy, fished the coastal gulf off Sarasota with me on Friday. They caught numerous Spanish mackerel on Ultra Hair Clouser flies fished on intermediate fly lines.

I fished the 4th annual Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers/Coastal Conservation Association’s “Fall Fly Fishing Challenge” on Saturday. I was also a co-director of the tournament along with Steve Gibson. MCFF club president, Bob Parker and former president, Capt. Pete Greenan also were part of the tournament committee. 33 anglers competed in two divisions and caught good numbers of a variety of species. At least 5 slams (snook, red and trout) were reported from north Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound. The event was followed by an awards BBQ, catered by The Oaks, at the Sarasota Outboard Club. Winners received handsome plaques and gift certificates from tournament sponsors Orvis, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters, Economy Tackle, Casey Key Anglers & Outfitters, Cook’s Sportland, All About Fishing, Fisherman’s Edge, Discount Tackle Outlet and New Pass Grill & Bait shop. The top prize in each division was an 8-wt Orvis Helios fly rod donated by Orvis. The event, which is designed to be a low key, friendly fly fishing tournament, also raises money for CCA’s conservation efforts and MCFF’s Scholarship Fund. Full results can be viewed at http://mangrovecoastflyfishers.com/tournaments.php.

The following day Orvis held their Southeastern Guide rendezvous in Sarasota. Orvis-
Endorsed fly fishing guides and dealers from all over Florida and as far away as South Carolina were brought up to date on new products and received schooling in guide techniques. A special thanks to Orvis ELOG director (Endorsed Lodges, Outfitters and Guides) for the eastern US, Scott Mcenaney, for making the donation of the Orvis Helios rods for the ”Fall Fly Fishing Challenge” possible.

I was back on the water Tuesday morning with outdoor writer Frank Sargeant. Frank is recently semi-retired from the Tampa Tribune, but will still write a weekly column, as well as being an editor for Florida Sportsman Magazine. We fished the coastal gulf off Lido Key for a couple of hours and caught a few mackerel on top water plugs and CAL jigs before it got sloppy. We headed into Sarasota Bay where we caught and released more than 15 trout to 23”, bluefish and a red on DOA Deadly Combos and CAL jigs with shad tails. Wednesday’s fly fishing trip in Sarasota Bay produced a couple of hookups with a red and bluefish.

Thursday’s trip was a lot of fun when Jerry Clapp, from IN, and his friend, Gary Burbank, from OH, fished Sarasota Bay with me. Gary is a talented DJ and musician whom you may know as radio’s “Earl Pitts, Umerikan”. They caught and released numerous trout and an estimated 26” snook on DOA Deadly Combos and CAL jigs with shad tails. Jon Yenari and Kyle Ruffing, both from Sarasota, FL, fished Gasparilla sound with me on Friday. The action wasn’t fast but they caught a few quality fish including bluefish, a jack and a nice redfish on flies. We waded during the afternoon and cast to lots of reds that weren’t interested in eating. Bryan Beebe and his friend, John Damico, both from Sarasota, FL, fished Sarasota Bay with me on Saturday. They had fast action with trout to more than 22” and bluefish to more than 4-pounds at Stephens Point, north of Long Bar and Bishops Point on flies, fly poppers and CAL jigs with shad tails.

Fishing should be good as tides will improve as we head towards a full moon on Nov. 13. The coastal gulf and deep and shallow grass flats of Sarasota Bay and Gasparilla Sound should all be good options.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Rick Grassett
Snook Fin-Addict Guide Service, Inc.
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
(941) 923-7799
e-mail snookfin@aol.com
www.flyfishingflorida.net and www.snookfin-addict.com


John Skivington, from NY, caught this Spanish mackerel on a CAL jig while fishing off Siesta Key with Capt. Rick Grassett

Jimbo Sandafer, from Lithia, FL and his sister, Brenda Sandafer, from Tampa, FL,with one of several reds that they caught on CAL jigs with shad tails while fishing Charlotte Harbor with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Jerry Clapp, from IN, (right) with Gary Burbank (a.k.a. Earl Pitts, Umerikan), from Cincinnati, OH with a nice snook caught and released on a CAL jig with a shad tail while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Bryan Beebe, from Sarasota, FL, with a nice trout caught and released on an Ultra Hair Clouser fly while fishing Sarasota Bay with Capt. Rick Grassett.

Redfish Focus On Crabs And Shrimp

Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Capt. Chris Myers

Fishing Report and Newsletter November 10, 2008

While the weather has been cool and breezy on most days, the fishing in Mosquito Lagoon has been red hot. The early season cold front of several weeks ago caused many of the baitfish to head south. This turned the focus of the redfish to crabs and shrimp. As a result, the reds have been tailing aggressively throughout the day. There have been numerous schools as well as plenty of singles which have been more than willing to eat a well placed fly or artificial.

On the first day of the month, I was joined by local resident Ben and his friend Jamie from Minnesota. We saw many fish throughout the day including redfish, black drum, and some big trout. Both guys caught a trout early and then Ben hooked up with a couple reds. Both the redfish had been tailing about ten feet in front of the boat. They ended the day landing four more reds. A 4" DOA CAL in Stark Naked was most productive.


Tuesday, the forecast was for winds of 10-15. I arrived to find whitecaps and a steady 20 knot breeze. I stuck it out for a couple hours landing 4 redfish on a 5" CAL but quickly grew tired of fighting the wind and went home.

The next day, California resident Tim was on board. When we fished last year, the water was high and dirty making it tough to see the fish. This time, we had clean water and blue skies. We saw tons of redfish, many of them tailing. Tim used a 4" CAL in Arkansas Glow all day. Nearly every fish he got it in front of ate. He landed five reds to 32" and had several more redfish and a big trout come off during an outstanding day of fishing the flats.


Friday, I headed back to the same spot to try and fool a few fish with some flies. The morning was nice with a slight breeze and plenty of tails. I landed a couple reds on my 5wt using an olive and white bendback fly. I then spent some time taking pictures of tailing reds before the sun disappeared behind the clouds.


While I waited for the sun to come back out, I made a short move and tied on a holographic DOA shrimp. I caught five snook to 27' and missed several more. I ended the day with a couple more hours of photography and managed to catch a few more redfish as well.

Sunday, Brad and Allen from Alabama wanted to experience some Mosquito Lagoon sight fishing. Despite having to fight a stiff wind all day, we found plenty of redfish in both schools and singles. The 4" Arkansas Glow was the color of the day and both guys enjoyed some success with redfish to 34".


The chance of finding tailing redfish will remain excellent throughout the rest of the year. The size and numbers of schools will increase as we head in to winter. Small soft plastic jerk baits, shrimp, and crabs will all be effective. Take a close look in the shallow sand spots for both redfish and large trout.


Winter Wildlife
The Mosquito Lagoon and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge not only offer great fishing but also the chance to view a variety of wildlife. Now that temperatures are dropping, the manatee and alligators will become scarce. Many birds, however, make their winter home inside the refuge. More are arriving each day as the year draws to a close. My web page at http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/wildlife.html has photos of some of the birds and animals you may see. I am in the process of updating this page with new photos being added on a regular basis.

Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848

Homosassa Trout Fishing Techniques

Power Pro Line Casting Tips for Tangle Free Casting Capt. Mike Locklear November 4, 2008 Homosassa - Saltwater Fishing Report
After I make a cast, I ALWAYS close my bail by hand just before the rig lands in the water. This does two things. It keeps the running line from tangling around the top of the cork and the line should become tight both on the spool and to your rig. Also, I make sure there are no loops on the spool of the reel before and after I cast. If there is a loop buried under the spool of line, never cast it, instead pull the line by hand preferably upwind from your drift [and not under the boat and around the motor] until the loop is out.

In order to stay tangle free, I only fill my reels three quarters to the rim of the spool. The last tip when deploying braids is NO side arm cast. This action will result in birds nest the fastest. Last but not least is to not cast the rod as hard as you possibly can. An 85-90% power cast is just as effective if properly launched over the shoulder with the tip of the rod on the same plain through the cast.

Try following these tips for tangle free days and keep your tip up!

Homosassa Fishing Forecast:
Spotted seatrout will be plentiful for the rest of the year. Remember that trout season remains open in the northwest section until February 1. The South section is closed for harvest in November and December. "Northwest Region" means all state waters north and west of a line running due west from the westernmost point of Fred Howard Park Causeway (28°9.35'N., 82°48.398'W.), which is approximately 1.17 miles south of the Pasco-Pinellas County Line, to the Florida-Alabama border, and adjacent federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters.

My new found lure added to my arsenal is the high roller top water inshore lure kit. See www.highroller.com/ This lure line has been around for more than a decade and are made for the top water caster. You must by one of the kits for top water action. They float high in the water and all are unique becasue they are made from wood. You will hear more about these in my next report.

Dozens of one-quarter ounce 3-inch DOA glow shrimp, Bass Assassin Slurp and Berkley Power Baits adorn my tackle bag. A red 3-inch cigar shaped Cajun Thunder cork rig in tied with a two foot long section of 20-pound test completes the rig. A good tip is to use a 3/32 ounce jig head made by Love Lure.

For trout, I will drift and cast downwind using 10-pound test Power Pro braided line. I fish with a 3000 Shimano Spheros spinning reel and a 7 ½ foot Shimano Teramar rod powered by medium action with an extra fast tip.

Instead of just popping the cork, I let it stand on end after a two foot long sweep of dragging the cork over the surface creating a bubble trail. Remember trout usually grab the jig on the way down. When the cork goes under, I quickly reel up any slack to set the hook and keep on reeling until the trout is at boatside where a dip net is employed to land the fish.

Use this method and you will catch a nice mess of fish. Locations are the mouths of Fish Creek, St. Martins River and the Homosassa River. Find spotty bottom mixed with grass and there you will find the fish in about three feet of water.

Captain Mike Locklear
352-628-4207
http://www.homosassafishing.com/
captmike@homosassafishing.com

Panhandle Fishing Report 11-7-08

Report for 11/07/2008

Salt Water


MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE
The grouper bite is steady with the more favorable weather conditions and again this week the reports indicate deeper water for the best catches. Of course, live bait is going to be your best bet and following that are jigs. Only a couple of King Mackerel reported this week. Amberjack hook-ups are strong this week. If you are going after AJs look for bottom structure with strong relief. In other words, look for wrecks or reefs with substantial height above the sea floor. Hard bottom and rubble are less attractive to these fish than larger wrecks and taller structures like the air force tower, which extends some forty plus feet above the bottom.

ST JOSEPH BAY
You can catch all the trout you like this week. Reports say that they are plentiful and hungry too. Throughout the bay, both trout and redfish are feeding and it should not be too difficult at all to catch your limit. Overall, live shrimp is the ticket. Longer cooler nights are finally putting the redfish into a predictable pattern. Fish the falling tides if you are in the bay. Try to station yourself along channels and the mouths of creeks and bayous as the current begins to flow out. Do not forget to try the intercoastal waterway. Sheepshead as well as trout and redfish are congregating from the mouth of the ICW beneath the Tapper Bridge all the way up to the T. Again live shrimp is the way to go.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS
The Grouper bite is still good. Many are still being caught on structure within 9 miles. Check the hard bottom areas in the 100-120 feet range further offshore. Take some big live baits and get ready for action! Red Snapper season is closed in Federal and State waters. Plenty of Amberjacks are being caught on the bridge spans.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM
Pompano are starting to be caught in greater numbers along the beaches. A 2-hook rig or Pompano jig will catch these fish. Mangrove Snappers are all over the jetties. Live shrimp fished on the bottom is the best bet. Redfish are schooling on the beaches right now and making their way into the jetties. Live baits, artificials or cut bait – they’ll hit anything! Flounder are biting well now. Try any of the deep points leading out of the bay and the inshore wrecks with live minnows on a Carolina rig. Trout are starting to move into the creeks and bayous with the cooler temperatures. Live shrimp will produce better the most fish.

DESTIN

To see a complete list of the current standings for the Destin Fishing Rodeo go to www.destinfishingrodeo.org.



NAVARRE
Let's Go Fishing!



The Best Western Navarre Florida would like to offer you a private inshore or offshore fishing package for $575. Package includes:

* Hotel Accommodations
* Your own private Captain with Lucky Chucky Charters
* Rod & reels, Bait, Tackle, Ice, and Fishing License
* FREE $100 Gift Certificate at Half Hitch Tackle

This fishing trip may include sightseeing or a sunset cruise. Come enjoy the fall temperatures and stay with us on the water here at the best kept secret in Navarre, the Best Western. Space is limited so book today for an enjoyable fishing trip for you and your friends or make it a family event. For reservations call (850) 939-9400, ask for Melissa Wolf.

SURF
The Pompano have showed up along the beaches. There have been some reports of a few good fish being caught. Best baits remain live or frozen sand fleas and live or frozen shrimp. Pompano jigs will catch them too. The Bonito are in the surf too. Any bright colored lure worked fast will catch them. As the water continues to cool, the Pompano bite will increase. There are a lot of Ladyfish (skipjack), Spanish mackerel and Bluefish to be caught as well. Bright spoons, Gotcha plugs, Straw Rigs, Top Water and regular plugs will catch them. Live and frozen Shrimp will take them too. Redfish have showed up on the beach as well. Some will be slot size fish but for the most part they will be over the slot. Live, frozen and cut baits, especially cut mullet will catch them. There have been reports of the occasional Flounder being caught, some will be some nice fish over five pounds. Best baits are Tiger, Bull minnows and live finger Mullet.

SOUND AND BAYS
Trout remain on the grass flats in three to five feet of water. If you have no luck there try to go deeper, say five to nine feet. You can catch your biggest Trout early and late in the day on top water baits and on live baits. Live Shrimp, Tiger Minnows, Pinfish, Menhaden and Mullet all catch Trout. Now is a good time of year to throw the top water baits early in the morning for the bigger Trout. Redfish can be caught on the same live baits and artificial lures. Work all visible and underwater structure to increase your chances at hooking up with a red. Skipjack, Jack Crevalle, Bluefish, Spanish mackerel and Flounder can all be caught in the bay this time of year. The Flounder fishing should start to pick up with the gradually cooling water. Finger Mullet, Bull Minnows and Tiger Minnows are hard to beat. Mangrove Snapper on are the bridge pilings, tie on a 12” piece of 10# to 12# fluorocarbon leader, a #1 hook, ½oz sinker and a live shrimp. This rig will take Sheepshead as well. The upper part of east Bay has been good for Redfish and Trout. Try fishing around the power lines and the surrounding oyster bars. King Mackerel will be in the bays from now until the water gets to cold. Try slow trolling live baits in the pass, along the three mile bridge and in front of the Palafox Pier should prove productive. Don’t overlook trolling a big Rapala bait for these fish as well. You can also anchor and chum for them with Menhaden Oil or cut up Menhaden. Put your live bait under a balloon and wait for Mr. King to come along.

NEAR SHORE – GULF
There have been some good reports of King Mackerel and Spanish mackerel caught right off the beach and outside Pensacola Pass in the last few weeks. Live Cigar Minnows and Blue Runners (hard tails) are the bait of choice. If there are large schools of bait around the King and Spanish mackerel are not far away. The big Redfish have begun to show up in the pass. Jigs, cut bait and live bait all take these fish. You may encounter a slot Red while fishing, but be sure to put the big ones back. This is a good time of year to look for the big schools of Redfish to be on top just outside and within one or two miles of the pass. Try looking for birds working the schools. Throw top water baits for some great action or a large spoon or jig. For the fly rod enthusiasts this is prime time. Any pattern that imitates a large baitfish will serve you well. Live baits or jigs will catch them to.

OFFSHORE – GULF
The bottom fishing for Snapper and Grouper remains very good. Live bait and frozen bait will work on both. Don’t be surprised if an Amberjack shows up, especially if you are jigging with a Butterfly jig or fishing with live Hardtails. Black Snapper have been on all the reefs this year. Use live shrimp and live Tiger Minnows. However, they will eat the same baits as Red Snapper. I have had some good reports of Yellowfin Tuna being caught around the offshore oil platforms. The Destin rodeo has weighed in two fish over 100 lbs so far. Most anglers are trolling, jigging or chumming. Look for weed lines and floating debris if you are interested in catching some Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and other species. I had a report today of a couple of Wahoo in the 30lb and 50 lb range being caught yesterday.

Fresh Water
Depot creek is the hotspot this week for Crappie. Many reports are coming in of twenty or more catches per day. Minnows work well, but little 3/32 oz or 1/16 oz jigs are the lure of choice. For black bass, start your day throwing some topwater and switch to the jerk baits and plastics later in the day. The bass are in the river and the bite is picking up. Try using brush hogs and ribbon tail worms. Also, grab your flipping stick and a good jig. I recommend Booyah jigs in black/blue, green pumpkin, and crawfish. Fish them in the thickest cover you can find right now. Use crank baits as a back up.

Half Hitch Tackle
850-234-2621
2206 Thomas Dr
Panama City, FL 32408
www.halfhitch.com

Fishing Report prepared by Half Hitch Tackle Staff.

The Captains Corner Fishing Report is provided by local charter captains and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Half Hitch Tackle.

This report is dedicated to the memory of Al Hubbard.
Al Hubbard was a field editor for Florida Sportsman magazine, an outdoor writer for the News Herald and a board member of the Florida Outdoor Writer's Association.
Mr. Hubbard was also the owner of Al's Outdoors Outfitting Services.