September is the beginning of what every inshore fisherman loves…the fall pattern. Redfish and trout begin to school back up and move to shallower waters to feed as water temps begin to drop slightly. They will begin to be more active for longer periods of time during the day as well, thus increasing your chances of catching them.
Artificial baits also come back into play during this time. Top-water plugs like the Rapala Skitterwalk can be used successfully all throughout the day. Paddle-tails and shrimp patterned soft plastics can also yield great catches due to fish focusing more of their feeding habits on shrimp because of the fall shrimp hatches in our area.
Focus on the shallow grass areas early morning where you see bait on the surface because redfish will likely be in and around here first thing in the morning.
We can also have some great king mackerel and mahi action just off the beaches 1- to 5-miles out this time of year. Grass lines that wash in with the western currents can carry mahi right off the beach and the kings will be near any structure off the sea bottom and/or following the huge schools of bait.
CAPT. JORDAN TODD
Saltwater Obsessions
850-227-6550