The return of the cold fronts has brought in our migratory fish. Schools of big Mackerel are everywhere. These Speedsters have been averaging 3 to 6 lbs. They are ravaging everything from white bait to plugs, as well as flies.
Their big brother, the King Mackerel are here in full force. Fish from 15 to 40 lbs. have been eating the Spanish Mackerel as well as Ladyfish and Mullet. The bigger the bait, the better to catch that big Smoker.
Redfish have started to school up on the flats near oyster bars. These Bruisers will start to change their feeding pattern to crustations over the next month as the water chills, and the bait becomes less prevalent.
Though Trout season is closed for the south region, there has been a good push of these fish to our area. The Trout have been ranging from 17 to 25 inches. The norm has been fishing shallow flats with lots of pot holes in 1 to 3 ft. of water.
Snook have started to move towards their winter spots. Docks near residential canals have been the most productive areas. Chum these areas with white bait, as it will give up where they are hanging out, as some docks can be deeper than others. They are also in the deeper cuts off the flats. Use the same technique to locate where they are more concentrated.
If you have been thinking of booking a clearwater fishing trip, now is the time to pick up that phone.
