[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen most folks think of September they think of the beginning of the school year and football season. Don’t get me wrong, I love the change of the season too, especially football season. When I think of September, I think of late summer-early fall FUN, like eagle rays leaping 10 feet out of the water or giant Blue crabs swimming through the water column hoping they won’t become something’s lunch. Redfish, Speckled trout and flounder have had all spring and summer to get BIG and Spanish macks and King fish are crazy big and very hungry. Winds have calmed down, yet we still have giant thunderstorms to watch out for and run from.
Although school has started and football season has begun, the fish still need to eat. Fishing in September is really fun because there is less fishing pressure, and if we get a cool front to move in, the temperature and humidity will drop a bit, and when that happens the fish bite is on! Flounder will start moving off shore in late September. I use ¼ ounce red jig heads rigged with Gulp’s pearl white swimming mullet on the outgoing tide near canal openings. Specs and reds can’t resist a live bull minnow, free-lined on number 4/0 circle hooks on the grass-flats in the early morning. Sheepshead will gobble up a live shrimp if it is presented to him. Bounce live shrimp around buoys, bridges, seawalls and oyster reefs and you will go home with the anticipation of a nice sheepshead sandwich for lunch.
Scallops are mature and plentiful in September. Look for them in the area between Black’s Island and Presnell’s. You have to get your face and hands in the grass to be able to see them. It is like looking for Easter eggs….. good family fun!
By Capt. Charlene Burke with “About Fun Charters”. She has more than 28 years experience and is a USCG licensed Captain (#2816371) with a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Studies. For charter information call 850-340-1035 or book online at www.aboutfuncharters.com.