Trout, black drum, and redfish are the “big three” that anglers will be targeting this month. The Speckled Trout and Redfish will normally strike top-water plugs or sub-surface plugs near mangrove covered shorelines or other structures like docks or rocky ridges throughout the lagoon. Look for areas where schools of baitfish are milling around to hold the best numbers of these species. Live (or fresh dead) shrimp, fingering mullet or pilchards can all be effective when rigged on a jig head or 3/0 to 5/0 sized VMC circle hook with a small split shot for weight. If the water gets cold and drops into the upper 60 degree range look for sheepshead and black drum to start getting more aggressive. These fish usually like cut clam, oyster, or shrimp best, but have been known to hit a jig once in a while. Look for fish holding along channel edges if we get a cold front or two because the water here will have a more stable water temperature than areas out on the open flats.
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