by Capt. Mike Mcnamara
Apalachee Bay in November is a tricky month to forecast. It all depends on temperatures. October fishing was absolutely awesome. If the warm temperatures continue through November then the fish will continue to eat like crazy. If the water temperatures drop into the 60s then the fish will change patterns. That simply means the bait will leave the flats and so will the fish. The fish will follow the bait offshore or into the river and creek mouths. So keep an eye on the water temperatures this month. If they stay up, hit the flats, or if they start to drop, find the creeks. This temperature drop effects trout more than red fish, but both fish need to eat, so they will follow the bait. As most bait will migrate south, some will remain in the creeks and rivers. Both red fish and trout can be found hanging on the oyster bars this month. is could be considered oyster bar month in the Big Bend. Find your oyster bars at low tide and fish the points on an incoming tide. Using artificial baits will work, but a tail hooked shrimp will be deadly.
As most species leave this month, some will stay through winter. There will be flounder and sheepshead around all winter. These fish love the oyster bars. Flounder will hit jigs bounced slowly along bars, but sheepshead will need shrimp. The St Marks River will be loaded with sheepshead. Use a light 1/0 circle hook for best hook ups on the sheepsheads.
If you are looking for more adventure and some good eats, do not forget the black sea bass. If you find a calm day near shore, you can always find a hot sea bass bite within 6 miles of shore. Find the rocky stuff on your chart and bring a box of squid. You can also bounce Gulp jigs and catch a bunch. Sea bass on light tackle is a worthy trip, and filling a cooler full will reward you later. Do not be surprised if you find a few flounder in your sea bass. This could truly be the tastiest trip of the year.
November can be an awesome month to fish, so keep fishing. Hire a guide, or rent a kayak, and hit the St Marks River. THE FISH ARE COMING! The Guide Shop has everything you need to go catch fish. Retail shop, kayak rentals, and licensed Captains. The boats are rigged and ready. Give us a call if you need some therapy.
THANK YOU GOD FOR PROVIDING US YOUR GRACE AT SEA HAPPY THANKSGIVING
FORECAST BY: Captain Mike McNamara
Stmarksoutfit tters.com
red fish@stmarksoutfitters.com
call/text 850-510-7919