John Rivers

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so as you plan your meal with friends and family don't forget to save a little time to hit the water for some great November fishing along Pensacola's waterways.

As I've stated in a few of my last reports, the fall redfish run is in full swing and the bite has been as good as last year's, maybe even better. Most of the reds are in the 15 ' 25lb range, but we hooked a few this season in the upper 30's and had a couple top the scale at over 40lbs. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, red fishing can be a great time spent with family and friends. When fishing for these big bronze bruisers I always use 30lb braid (either Spider Wire or Stren), tipped with a 40lb Berkley fluorocarbon leader. Lure choices are very easy when it comes to landing these big monsters. Just use a good strong jig in the ' - 2oz range; I like using the Spro Jigs as these jigs have strong hooks and don't tend to bend when a big red starts shaking his head.

When it comes to top-water, I like throwing a mirror lure Jr top dog in the mullet or red and chartreuse color patterns. These lures have the 4x strong hooks and hold up well to these powerful fish. Along with hooking up a few reds the past few weeks, I've also been catching a few nice flounder and some good-eating white trout. I was not able to get out much this past week, not only due to high winds and much colder temperatures than normal, but a flu bug that was kicking my butt. The week of Thanksgiving looks pretty good, and hopefully the big reds will be schooled up in the bay and pass like they have been the past few weeks.

I haven't been going after the black snapper much the past few weeks, but I've heard reports of some being caught on the south rock jetty in the pass. Live shrimp is the way to go when you want to have a few tasty black snapper on the Thanksgiving menu. Beats grandma's green bean casserole every time!

So when you get a few hours to get away from the hustle and bustle, get off the couch and stop watching those college games, set the DVR, send the wife to the mall, and go fishing. Better yet, bring the wife along; she might just need a break, too.

See you on the water.

Tight Lines.

Capt. John Rivers

Mega-Bite Inshore Charters

850-341-9816

Mega-Bite Inshore Charters

Thanks to my sponsors:

Mann's Lures, SPRO Fishing Tackle

Gamakatsu Hooks, Pure Fishing - Berkley

ABU Garcia, Quantum

Fish Species: Redfish, Trout
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Mike from Pensacola had his hands full with this MONSTER red estimated weight was over 35lbs. Just look at the belly on this thing!
Mike from Pensacola had his hands full with this MONSTER red estimated weight was over 35lbs. Just look at the belly on this thing!

Jim from New Orleans had a great day hooking up reds this is just one of many that day!
Jim from New Orleans had a great day hooking up reds this is just one of many that day!


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John Rivers

About The Author: Captain John Rivers

Company: Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters

Area Reporting: Tampa Bay, Clearwater, St Peterburg

Bio: Covering the Tampa Bay, Clearwater and St Petersburg area. Light tackle fishing for Snook, Redfish, Trout and more While cruising from spot to spot in our 24 ft custom Triton bay boat you will be riding in comfort, it has all the amenities. I\'m a veteran fishing guide of 18 years and you\'ll be in good hands. Thanks for stopping by. Tight Lines... John

727-313-1781
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain John Rivers