Has the Florida Gulf snapper season been extended? Judging by the forecast of sloppy seas and the likelihood of rain this weekend, that would be the normal turn of events. But the season is indeed closed and inshore enthusiasts will be moaning and groaning instead.
The cold snap earlier in the week dropped inshore water temperatures to the low to mid-60s. That in turn stimulated some appetites among trout, reds and flounder. Spanish mackerel were also active in the nearshore depths and may still linger with the latest warming trend.
The water clarity inshore is gradually improving, especially to the west. Fingers are crossed Eta in whatever version doesn’t cause a set-back.
When winds and seas do allow, oyster bars, tidal creeks and shallow flats are the most productive zones. The trout were responding aggressively to Rapala Skitter Walk top-water plugs earlier in the week. Soft-plastic touts, jerk baits and minnows are also working. Lures with gold in the pattern are generating the best reactions.
The venerable Aqua Dream weedless spoon is the best choice for redfish right now. Try gold for tannin-stained water or chartreuse for the clear. With the water cooling, it may pay to downsize the spoon for a more subtle presentation.
Sheepshead are showing up in greater numbers on the flats. Watch for them around rock piles and other structure. Fiddler crabs and fresh shrimp are the prime sheepie offerings, but they will occasionally eat a crustacean lure like the Bugg’s Jigs or a smaller fly. They can be a challenge to feed, though.
Flounder are staging in preparation to moving to deeper water for the winter. A DOA grub or Sureketch tout in white with a pink or red tail is always a flatfish standard. Bounce the jig along drop-offs and through pinch points on moving water. If you catch one, chances are good others are in the vicinity.
Black sea bass are increasing in numbers as well. These fun scrappers will eat most anything, but the DOA 2.75 shrimp is an ideal option. Sea bass are great sport on light tackle. Try for them in depths up to 10 feet with mixed bottom or over the grass flats. They are definitely trip-savers sometimes, particularly with junior anglers.
Moderate high tides will crest just before daylight this weekend. That, combined with sunrise, may offer a brief window for about an hour per the solunar predictions before the winds start to howl. The tide bottoms out after lunch before rising again after dark. But overall this is shaping up to be a better weekend for freshwater fishing or maintenance on the boat, engine and trailers.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.