By Capt. Brian Boxx
The fall pattern is in full swing. As our water temperatures drop, we see a transition in species of our inshore waters. The sheepshead have taken over the snapper grounds. The red and black drum have been plentiful around the mangroves and flats. The snook have slipped into the backwaters, working deeper and deeper in with each cold front. Pompano should be pushing their way south and will hopefully make an appearance by month’s end. Pompano are by far my favorite inshore table-fare target. I look forward to the crisp evenings, magnificent sunsets, and low humidity while doing the “Pompano Pump.” The “Pompano Pump” is a great method for catching theses swimming tacos. I use a white, pink, or chartreuse 3/16th to ½ 0z jig tipped with a bit of shrimp or Fish Bites jig tippers and work the drops and edges of the passes. Fishing the beaches in the washouts of the sandbars can also be extremely productive. Pompano are a member of the Jack family and hit with a good thump followed by a sharp run. When the time is right, they can be caught in abundance, making for hours of rod bending action. A more relaxing way to target them is using live Sand Fleas caught off our local beaches on a Pompano rig. Just cast the rod out, set it in a holder and soak up the good vibes till you get bent.
Sheepshead can be found along good mangrove edges or any structure growing barnacles. The key to a successful day of herding the sheep is downsizing. Small circle hooks, like a #1 Owners, with a split-shot or a small jig head is key. Good baits include cut bits of shrimp, squid, or crab. Keep it in the strike zone. Fish tight to the structure as these fish are actively feeding from it. Slowly lift the bait up and let it fall back down. The bite is very subtle. They like to pick at their food before swallowing it, so be patient and wait for that steady pull not the tap-taps. These tips will greatly increase your chances of getting tight vs pulling up an empty hook. Happy Holidays, Y’all. Til’ next month, Stay Salty- Capt. Brian Boxx
Contact Capt. Brian Boxx at 239-269-4426
