[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Old Drum are in full action in spawn until full moon of September providing some exciting action on fresh mullet and DOA Popping Cork rigs. They will still be scattered about into early October as they exit the inlets along with some trout, flounder and slot drum in marshes. Baits of choice are DOA Deadly Combo Shrimp, DOA Cal baits on DOA ¼ Jig heads and Rapala Twitchin Raps; yes they are still available at some locations as mine, in old balsa wood to be reproduced by Rapala in a different material in the future. This pattern should be moving into the creek mouths as water temps drop and trout migrate inland. Let’s hope we find a huge population to replace what got lost this year!
Rock season opens October 1st and the top water action has been great all to find these feisty fish in structure early AM and late PM and also in open water chasing bait. During the day you can troll or jig reef and bridges for additional catches. I like Storm Chug Bugs and the new Arashi Top Walker just out as favorites for top water action and DOA CAL baits for jigging (ie 3 and 4 inch shad tails)
As a side note, Publishers Brian Slesinski and Eddie Hardgrove spent a half day with Capt Dave Stewart in September. He warned us that because the wind was changing we might catch one or we might catch a boatload of big Red drum or as he calls them Old Drum. Eddie was hands down the luckiest guy on the boat as he landed three of these beautiful creatures. The largest one was a 47” long female. She is pictured with Eddie below. Capt Dave Stewart is a top notch guide with a no nonsense approach to his trade. He wants everyone who goes on a trip with him to learn something. The equipment we used included
TFO SSS 705-1 7′ MH rods wwith Daiwa Lexa 3500 reels spoolied with 30# Fins Braid.
For baits we had DOA 5″ Swimbaits on VMC Heavy Weighted 6/0 hooks under DOA Popping Corks.
And best of all – found bait on Hummingbird 899 unit pictured – you know why
Eased along with Minn Kota RT ST 112 Ipilot
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