November 2007

What all of this means to you and me is that local fishermen need to adjust their tactics to adapt to the different conditions and shifting feeding patterns. However, don’t forget that as dropping water temperatures do turn some species on, cooler conditions also turn other fish off and even encourage some species to head south in search of more suitable surroundings. Tarpon are a perfect example.


Although the silver kings have long departed, redfish, trout and flounder will be plentiful around area inlets, creek mouths, oyster mounds and rock piles. Mill Cove is one particular area that should continue to produce. With dropping air temperatures, expect redfish to be found prowling the shallows as they search for unsuspecting shrimp and minnows. Look for concentrated schools working channel edges and grass flats during lower tidal phases.


Personally, I prefer fishing during the last couple of hours of the outgoing tide as well as the first two hours of the incoming. This when I look for action on the surface with noisy top-water lures such as Zara Spooks and MirrOlure Top Dogs. I work these baits from the grassy edges to no more than 30 feet off the bank. Even though the water is continuing to cool and wintertime’s opportunistic feeders rarely chase bait that is moving fast, a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses will still produce explosive surface strikes. Just be sure to wait for the rod to double over before reacting to the bite.


During the upcoming festive season, expect a healthy amount of finger mullet in the area. This means that along with artificial lures, shiny baitfish can be highly effective when fished under a popping cork around oyster mounds, creek mouths and adjacent to grassy points.


Directly on structure close to shore, sheepshead will be prevalent and can be counted on around local jetties and rocky structures. Many northeast anglers prefer fiddler crabs – not me. As we all know, sheepshead are notorious for their lightning fast strikes. They are often so quick at stealing baits that many anglers don't even feel the strike until it is way too late. Because of this, my choice is fresh clam weaved on the hook. The rubbery meat is much harder to remove which means sheepshead have to pull harder, making strikes more detectable and ultimately giving anglers an advantage over the villainous bait stealers.


As the end of the year approaches, anglers can expect the offshore bite to heat up as well. Avid sinker-bouncers will find that cooling water temperatures have pushed bottom fish into their shallow water winter hideouts. Most of the inshore reefs and wrecks are where live mullet, pinfish and grunts persuade keeper grouper and red snapper into striking. While live bait should always be the first option, don’t rule out freshly cut cigar-minnows, tinker mackerel, mullet and squid, all will help fill the voids with local favorites such as vermillion snapper and sea bass. For an effective artificial twist, I suggest soaking a Gotcha 6” paddle tail in menhaden before deploying it into the depths on an appropriate weight jig head. The scent is killer when it comes to attracting hungry bottom feeders.


During the coming months, offshore trolling action is usually consistent but does require a long run out to deep water. If you wish to battle large pelagics such as wahoo, sailfish, blackfin tuna and dolphin, head out to no less than 125- to 150-feet of water before wetting a line. My typical offshore spread usually includes a Sea Striker Cedar Plug, Sea Scoundrel and Tuka Troll. The latter two work extremely well when dragged in conjunction with freshly rigged ballyhoo or bonito strips. And remember that while wire leaders keep toothy critters at bay, monofilament usually produces the greatest number of strikes.


Finally, anglers wishing to target king mackerel will be glad to hear that as the toothy speed demons partake on their winter run, days of 30 or more fish will not be uncommon. All one needs to do to find consistent action is slow-troll a pair of cigar-minnows around bait-rich wrecks.


Until next year, I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday season and may all of your angling dreams come true.

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