By Craig Korczynski, Contributing Writer
The month of September offers unique fishing, as the mullet run invades the Palm Beaches. Big schools of mullet migrating south push into our intracoastal and along our beaches. These big schools of mullet trigger predator fish like snook, tarpon, jacks, sharks, drum, snapper and many other species to feed heavily.
Snook can be targeted in the inlets, beaches, grass flats, along seawalls, and docks. Top water plugs like a Heddon Super Spook or Spook Jr. are excellent choices for surface strikes. DOA C.A.L. 4” Jerk Baits and DOA Bait Busters entice snook to strike near surface and sub surface. The mullet schools are great areas to locate snook, typically morning and evenings are the best times to fish. Bridges and docks provide plenty of action; channel edges produce plenty of drag screaming action as well. The snook may gather in pods at times, many of the bigger female snook are on the outside of these pods. The average size of the snook ranges from 5 to 25 pounds.
The tarpon offer heart pounding action for anglers, with acrobatic leaps on the water’s surface after devouring a love mullet on the surface. Many of the tarpon are schooled together and can be seen rolling on the surface. The average size of the tarpon ranges from 10 to 80 pounds. The best bait to use for the tarpon is live mullet or pin fish. Artificial enthusiast, top water Heddon Spook Jr., DOA Bait Busters, and DOA C.A.L. 4” Jerk Baits are all great baits for the silver king. The key to catching tarpon is staying in front of them, staying quiet, and presenting the bait in a natural presentation.
The flats and ICW are great areas to target snook, jacks, goliath grouper, drum, and many other species for rod bending action. Structure areas or potholes along grass flats, hold bait schools where predator fish will follow. For those anglers who want steady action, nothing beats a live mullet, just cast one out along drop offs or structures and hold on tight. Nothing beats seeing a predator fish explode on a live bait, it puts a smile on everyone’s face.
Well that is the fishing report for September, hope you all enjoyed, remember any day on the water is a good day. Tight Lines!
Captain Craig Korczynski
561-644-4371 • phlatsinshorefishing.com