It may be a little lumpy for snapper enthusiasts offshore, but the weekend is shaping up to be a good one for inshore pursuits. With the new moon on Saturday and more autumn-like weather, the big three of trout, redfish and flounder should be more than cooperative.
The good news is the water is gradually clearing up and will only get better into the winter months. Higher temperatures last week pushed the water back up into the lower 80s, but expect it to start easing slowly down. Those factors, combined with decreasing daylight hours, are triggering game fish to strap on the feed bags. There’s certainly no shortage of bait right now. Shrimp, pinfish, mud minnows, mullet and pilchards are all on the move. Using any of these for bait will work. Lures simulating the food chain are also getting pounded. Gold, pearl/glow and chartreuse are still the best color combos for the current conditions. Floating grass remains problematic in places, which makes using lures with treble hooks exasperating. Switching to single in-line replacement hooks or going with a weedless presentation is a simple solution and very effective.
Reds will be collecting around the many oyster bars throughout the bay and coastal rivers. The fish will stage on the down-current side of the bars waiting to ambush bait as it sweeps across. Flounder will also be in the drop-offs or pinch points. If you catch one fish, you’ll likely encounter others. Big trout also frequent those same spots, looking for a meal.
The window for fast action with Spanish mackerel is quickly closing. These pelagics are taking advantage of the bait balls in the nearshore depths. Bluefish, ladyfish and jacks are often in the mix. Small silver casting spoons with a trace of light wire leader will “match the hatch.” If strikes are hard to come by, try heavier monofilament leader like 40-pound test instead. For some real fun, break out the light fly rod and toss some epoxy or Clouser minnow flies. Slow trolling is another proven technique. Rig a medium action spinning rod with a Gotcha plug or Clarke spoon and troll around spotted activity (jumping fish, erupting bait). This is a great way for junior anglers to catch fish with doubles and even triple hook-ups not uncommon. Fresh Spanish is delicious on the grill or brine and smoke filets to make fish dip.
With morning low tides and more than four feet of incoming water by mid-afternoon, the solunar activity will be off the charts with the new moon influence. The first period will be the last hour before the low bottoms out. The lower angle of the sun matched with the rising moon should be a feeding frenzy. Expect a repeat performance for an hour or so on either side of the afternoon crest.
Autumn fishing is in full swing, so get out there and enjoy the fun!
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.