Apalachee Bay dodged a bullet with Tropical Storm Eta this week, thank goodness. Even though the intensity wasn’t too bad, the bay certainly didn’t need any more run-off now that the water clarity is finally improving. And with good-looking weather and winds on tap for this weekend, on top of new moon tides, and a return to more seasonal temperatures next week, inshore fishing should see a noticeable uptick.
Anglers who have braved the winds and sloppy seas this past week found some cooperative fish, but they had to work hard for them. Short windows of opportunity have come mainly on moving water and prime solunar periods. The maze of oyster bars in the coastal rivers have been the best places to look.
Trout are still responding well to topwater lures that make noise and surface commotion. One Knockers, Skitter Walks and MirrOlure Top Dogs all get the nod. White patterns are scoring, but gold and silver are equally effective. Bluefish and ladyfish are still around to make things interesting.
Aqua Dream weedless spoons are scoring best on the redfish. Work them slowly over the tops of flooded bars, between cuts and along grassy shorelines. If you find jumping mullet, the reds won’t be far behind. Gold remains the standard, but don’t be afraid to try chartreuse or silver versions in pockets of clear water.
Flounder and sheepshead are more options of late, along with black sea bass. Try a Sureketch shrimp in pearl/red fire tail or CAL Arkansas Glow bounced along the bottom for flatfish. Sheepies are suckers for fiddler crabs and fresh shrimp, but they will occasionally eat a small bucktail like a Bugg’s Jig shrimpy pattern. Black sea bass are not picky about anything swimming in front of their faces.
This is probably the last weekend for any lingering pelagics. There were still some sharks in the shallows and Spanish mackerel in slightly deeper water. But if temperatures get into the 40s overnight next week as expected, they’ll be heading south for palm trees and umbrella drinks.
Sunday’s new moon will feature significant tidal swings this weekend with up to three feet differences. The lows around daylight will not offer any navigable water, so deeper ramps will be necessary for early launches. The early afternoon highs will allow easy access to the backcountry. Expect very high feeding windows right at daylight and the last couple hours of the rise before the water crests. Winds are expected to be light and moderate for a change.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.