Capt. Dave Stephens
I would like to start with a warm welcome back to our fellow anglers from the north. It’s apparent y’all brought down some cooler weather. November is a month I have always considered a transition month. What I mean by that is fish are on the move. The water is becoming cooler, telling our fish that winter is just around the corner. During this time fish can get a little tricky, so thinking outside the box will keep the rod bent. The things that have been working, might not do so well during this time. Don’t be afraid to try some winter tactics, like going deep. You may also have to move around more, but when you locate the fish you will be rewarded. This time of year, fish are schooling to migrate. The old saying is, there is safety in numbers.
Snook fishing will still be very good this month. Mangrove islands adjacent to large flats will be holding fish on the higher tides. On the lower tides fish will be holding on bars in 2-3 feet of water. This is the time when deep canals and creeks will start to hold fish that have moved into their winter patterns. Scaled sardines and pinfish are my baits of choice. Redfish can still be found roaming the open flats and bars this month. On the higher tides don’t forget about the mangroves. As the tide begins to fall, move out on the flats and fish the potholes. Reds will also be moving into the creeks this month. The numbers will be excellent, but sometimes the fish are on the small size. With a little patience you will be rewarded with some bigger fish. In the mangroves and on the flats scaled sardines and pinfish will get the bite going. If you want to try your luck in the deeper creeks, bring along some shrimp. When I’m targeting reds in the deeper creeks I like to use a jig head or split shot. Just enough to get to the bottom.
Trout fishing on the flats will remain good. Try to focus on broken up bottom on the higher tides. If you’re not getting any hits, start a drift. Once you locate some fish anchor up and work that area. Pay attention to the depth and bottom, it might help to locate fish later in the day. As the tide drops try fishing outside the bars. Generally, 2-4 feet is your best bet. If we have any freak cold fronts, try fishing in deeper creeks and residential canals.
Capt. Dave Stephens
941-916-5769
www.backbayxtremes.com