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
