Well we are finally starting to get a few cold fronts move in and the morning air temps are in the upper 50’s. As you can imagine this will continue the water cooling and the fish will want to feed as the winter months approach. Normally in November we spend a good bit of time near the beaches targeting a variety of species like Kingfish, Bonito, Blacktip Sharks and some Flounder and Pompano. The Kingfish run for our area has been a little late and I suspect the bulk of the migration will be here any day.
When the Kings and Spanish Mackerel show up in good numbers you can be the Blacktip and Spinner sharks are not far behind. Many anglers like the pull and acrobatics of these sharks. Most of the sharks we catch can range form 4-6 feet and we use medium heavy spinning gear. The Kingfish on the other hand we tend to use light tackle gear and typically use live bait to chum them in or troll spoons or shallow diving plugs.
For those of you that like to get some fish to eat for dinner, well the Mangrove Snapper and Grouper bite is getting better and better each day. With some great catches within sight of land the fishing for bottom fish is strong right now. Some Mangrove Snapper have been caught up to 5 pounds and some really nice Gag Grouper up to 12 pounds as well. Most of these fish are taken using live bait such as pin fish, pilchards and live shrimp.
As for the inshore bite, the snook fishing remains really good. With good numbers of fish between 20-25 inches and of course a few bruisers near and upper 30 inches. The big female snook love to feed on the mullet and large artificial baits as they make their way to the winter holding areas. Topwater baits have produced some great action for both snook and redfish. In November, the topwater lure can be used all day. I believe everyone loves to see the explosion on a topwater bait presentation.
For you trout fisherman… well its your time. The trout bite is getting better and better each day. Large schools of trout have fled to the back country and settled in large sand holes and shallow grass flats. These trout can be caught on either live bait which includes pilchard or shrimp under a cork. The trout fishing should continue to be very solid for the month of November.
Until next month, good tides!
Live in the Zone
Capt. Jay Withers
