Inglis/Yankeetown – September Fishing Report
September is here and we are finally starting to get a little break as far as the temperatures go. Over the next few months, we are going to start to see the fish transition into their fall phases. I really love this time of year; the fishing is really going to get good.
The redfish the past month have been sluggish, due to the high water temps, and abundance of boat traffic on the water. The water temps this month will start to fall, making these fish more active, so your catch ratios should go up. My go-to bait here lately has been the Zman diezel minnowz in the redfish toad pattern. Rig it with a ¼ or 3/8 oz jighead, depending on the water depth, and vary your retrieve speeds until you find what the fish are looking for. The areas north of Inglis have been holding good fish, but you need to pay attention to water clarity, and with all the recent rain, look out for the fresh water influx.
The trout will start to move back in, as the water cools. I would still focus on the 4 to 5-foot range. You really can’t beat the Zman trout trick, in the fried chicken pattern. I am in love with this bait. My clients have been boating extremely good numbers with this bait, and above average size too. You can always fall back on a live shrimp to get the job done, but if you are an artificial enthusiast like myself, this is the bait of choice.
You can still find a tripletail or two hanging around floating grass mats, or crab trap buoys. This is always a bonus, and something great for the table. A zman scented shrimpz will definitely get you tied into one of these guys.
On a more serious note, everyone has seen the effects of the red tide working its way up the West Coast. It has not affected our area, but if you’re like me, and fish all up and down the coast, it does affect you. We need to step up and help our friends with CCAand Captains for Clean Water,so we can keep our waters safe and in great condition for generations to come. You don’t have to be a captain or guide to join; every voice counts. If you have any questions about either organization or how you can help, please give me a call.
Until next month, have fun, be safe and take your kids fishing.
Capt. Craig Spitznogle
Florida Flats Charter Co.
www.floridaflatscharterco.com