By: Alex Baumann
November is one of my favorite times of year to chase redfish. The weather finally starts to cool off, the water temperatures begin dropping, and the fish start changing where they want to be. This is also the time of year when you really have to pay attention to the conditions. What worked last week might not work today.
Early in November, I’m still looking for redfish in the same shallow water we fish during the warmer months. If we get a few warm, sunny days, the flats can be loaded with fish. I’ll look around the grass, mangroves, oyster bars and other areas where redfish can get up and feed with the tide.
Then that first good cold front comes through and things can change pretty quickly. When the water temperature drops, especially after a strong front, redfish will often move off the really shallow flats and look for deeper water. Creek mouths, deeper channels, holes and protected backcountry areas are all places I like to check. The fish are looking for water that is a little more stable, and those deeper areas can give them exactly that.
But don’t completely write off the shallow water after a front. If we get a sunny day with light wind, the shallow water can warm up pretty quickly. I like looking for dark bottom, shallow pockets and protected flats that get plenty of sun. If there’s a deeper area nearby, even better. Redfish can move up into that warmer water to feed and then slide back off when conditions change.
One of the biggest things I look for this time of year is bait. If I’m seeing mullet, shrimp or other bait getting pushed around, I’m going to spend some time in that area. Redfish won’t be far from the bait so take advantage of it. This is also a great time of year to slow down and pay attention to how you’re presenting your fly. If the water gets cooler and the fish aren’t as aggressive, I’ll work a shrimp or small baitfish pattern slower and closer to the bottom. If the water warms up and the fish start chasing, I’ll cover more water and use a fly that looks like the bait they’re feeding on.
The biggest thing about November redfishing is being willing to move. Don’t get stuck fishing the same flat just because you caught fish there yesterday. Check the water temperature, watch the weather, pay attention to the tide and look for bait. The redfish are still there. You just have to figure out where they want to be that day.