By: Eric Henson
This can be a tough but also productive time of year to fish if you know what to look for and how to go about it. November always seems to be one of the windiest months with cold front after cold front rolling through chilling our waters each and every one of them. Even though our water temps continue to drop the fish still must eat… they just choose the best time to chew. Look for either a steady or dropping barometric pressure. This means when it’s time for them to eat, you better be ready to catch some fish!
Another thing to take in consideration is what the fish are eating at this time of year. With the white bait gone or disappearing, many different species will start to gorge themselves with crustaceans like shrimp, crabs, etc. That is one of the reasons fish will follow mullet schools. Not only will they pick off the weaker ones, but mullet stir up the seafloor bottom knocking crustaceans out of their hiding making them an easy target. I mostly throw artificial baits like soft-plastics, lures, and flies so I am always trying to match the hatch. If I had to go with one artificial bait this time of year it would have to be the X-MOVE by Monster 3X on a 1/16 oz jig head! Next would be some type of top water or suspension bait mimicking a smaller mullet. Finally, it would be some type of shrimpy looking fly. The water can be clear in most areas this time of year so try and stick to natural colors to get the bite.
I know this month we generally spend lots of days inside with all the crazy windy days but, make sure and be prepared for when that beautiful day pops up to make the most out of it! Until next time please be safe out there and not only respect your fisheries… but also respect your fellow anglers because there is plenty enough water out there for everyone. Tight lines and Tight knots to everyone!