by Captain Terry Fisher
As of the time of this writing, the quality of both ‘offshore’ and ‘inshore’ fishing for the month of November is yet to be determined. Nonetheless, history and experience gives me the confidence that all will be good. Water conditions have improved greatly and locating fish is getting easier. Admittedly, the last couple of months have kept me busy finding ‘displaced’ fish. Information provided by FWC, together with my experience and ‘time on the water’, allowed me to find different fishing grounds that provided most all of my clients, a good day on the water catching fish. The ‘jury is still out’ awaiting any positive or negative vibes that Hurricane Michael may have generated and produced, if any.
I have a positive outlook for November fishing as our water conditions return to normal. Moreover, there has been very little fishing pressure since September and throughout most of October, due in part to extensive news reports regarding Red Tide and Algae Blooms. These months are normally regarded as ‘off-season’ months for any given year. It only stands to reason that with fewer boats and anglers on the water, less fishing pressure will provide ‘healing’ time for reefs, estuaries and fish populations. More to the point and as stated earlier, my charters have been successful with catching seatrout, mangrove snapper, snook, redfish, pompano and big permit inshore. I have restricted my offshore trips to focus ‘inshore’ to locate more areas that are holding fish. I have reports that a number of fish are being caught on long ‘offshore’ runs and in water depths of not less than 70 feet. However, more reef fish should start holding on structures closer to the outer islands on Sanibel, Captiva and Cayo Costa in say 40 to 45 feet of water.
Throughout November I am going to fish in areas or types of areas that have proven productive for me over the last ten years, while mixing it up a bit by trying new locations on each charter. My tackle and presentations, both live and artificial, will remain unchanged from previous months. Even though FWC recently closed harvest on redfish and snook it does not prevent anglers from catching and releasing them unharmed. Most anglers enjoy the ‘hunt and catch’ more than the harvest and I applaud FWC for making the decision to withhold the harvest of certain species until they know the numbers and health status of each.
My November suggestions for targeting fish by species are as follows:
A) Look for redfish on an incoming tide around oyster beds, sand bars with oyster shell debris and under mangroves that hold the oyster clusters. This is the month that the big redfish should infiltrate tidal creeks, sandbars and ‘back-country’ locations in good numbers and sizes. This may be one’s best opportunity for a huge redfish!
B) Look for snook on the incoming or outgoing tides under docks, along seawalls, around the points/tips of islands and sandbars as well as along and under the mangroves.
C) Look for seatrout, pompano, permit and Spanish mackerel on grass flats just off the bars and in grasses from 4’ to 6’ of water.
D) Look for mangrove snapper around the islands and mangroves (must use circle hooks when targeting these fish).
The Annual Ft. Myers Boat Show will be held on November 15-18, downtown on the Caloosahatchee River, in the heart of the ‘River District’. 1st Mate Vicki and I will share a booth with Coastal Angler Magazine, while showcasing some of our client’s picture(s), with their ‘fish of a lifetime’. We will be on hand to share stories, offer tips and answer any questions regarding boating and fishing. Additionally, I will be doing fishing seminars all 4 days, at the ‘Fishing Village’, illustrating my techniques and strategies, on locating and catching fish. I will be available to assist with choosing the right equipment that will work for you.