South West Florida Freshwater Scene for November
Here we are almost two months out from one of the largest hurricanes to hit Southwest Florida. We are slowly recovering and getting a little back to normal. Cooler temps and less rain will do wonders for our bass fishing, especially on the Big O and Lake Trafford. Canal fishing will still be troublesome due to the high levels of water left over from all the summer storms but certain areas will still shine. This is one of my favorite months to fish for bass and peacock bass as well. The best advice I can give you is keep trying new and different waters, you might be surprised at what you find.
Okeechobee I wish I could forecast what the Big O will have to offer this month, but at the time I am writing this we are still recovering and there will be some residual effects from rains and runoff through the Kissimmee River. Typically, just like all the lakes in November, the fishing should be excellent and the bass should be moving out onto the sparse grass areas looking for food. I especially like to fish were I see Pepper Grass mixed with something else usually around the Monkey Box Area. If you have any questions you can contact us at the shop and we can give you a better report on current conditions. Fishing will be dictated by how much water and what is accessible to the fisherman.
Trafford should be coming around and water levels should be getting back to normal. I would expect an increase in the crappie fishing to start especially if we get a little cool front or two coming through. They bite best when water temps are dropping. Small jigs and Missouri minnows are the bait of choice. Good bass action on top waters should be happening early and late in the day.
All the Everglades canals were affected in some way by the heavy rains this year from all the storms. Let us hope November returns us to a bit of normalcy. Hopefully the storms are over and the tropical rains have left the building. The one bright fishery that has stayed fairly consistent has been the good ole Interceptor. Not catching huge quantities of fish there but they have been consistently catchable in good numbers. The cichlids, including the peacock bass, should be really turning on this month in any of the canals that have them. If water levels are down then small top water plugs, small spinnerbaits, and flies like muddler minnows and wiggle minnows should work them over pretty well.
Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait house and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing. We carry a full line of tackle including: fly fishing needs and both saltwater and freshwater gear, food, drink, and bait. Thanks and good fishing. Roan Z
If you want to contact Capt. Roan Z for a freshwater fishing trip or ask any fishing questions he can be contacted at the Shop 239-775-2248 or cell number 239-269-4426. Check the Web site www.indianpassoutfitters.com and www.mikesbaithouse.com