The full moon means strong tides and bright nights - which translates into Tarpon feeding and gorging themselves all night long as small baits are flushed out of the backcountry. This has slowed the bit a little during the day for Tarpon between 15# and 50# bit with patience the pint sized Silver Kings are still worth targeting. The key to a good day has been to chum them into range and pitch live or cut baits at them. Once they have been chummed in they will readily take these baits. The only draw back is the time it takes to concentrate them in casting range.
The Snook and Redfish have definately moved into their winter haunts and have been very cooperative lately. While the size hasn't been all that large the numbers have been very good. This past weeks baits of choice were Yozuri Pins Minnows and Rapala XRaps. Working the shoreline on a falling tide has been the most productive time to fish while making repeated casts to structure and cover. Remember to work your baits slow because the water temperature has slowed down the fish's metabolism and they aren't going to chase down a rapidly moving bait.
Other species that are cooperating well include an influx of big Jack Crevalle up to 25# as well as Black Drum to 20# and a good number of Sea Trout. These fish have all been in the same areas we are targeting Snook and Redfish in the backcountry and rivers.
D.C. Bienvenue
Sun Coast Kayak Sport Fishing
www.fishwithdc.com