by Brent Bensmiller
Things are looking much better as we get into the month of November! The red tide has cleared up and water quality is getting back to normal. As the water continues to cool off, we will see some of the bigger game fish head south and many smaller species that you were catching off the beach, will be pushing into the bay. With cooler temps this month you will be able to put in much more time on the water, without the heat draining you, so take advantage of this while it’s here.
Kayak fishing will be best throughout the bay and heading further back into the brackish waters. Throwing artificials such as doa terroreyz, flukes, or twitch baits should get you in on some action. There will be a mixed bag of fish holding in the bay with many looking to fill their stomachs before the winter months. It should be fairly easy to get a stringer lined with sheepshead and land some gamefish along the way. Focus on fishing the deeper cuts along the mangroves and any type of structure you see. As the water gets colder many of the fish will stay in the same area, so once you get on a good bite you can return the next trip out and expect the same results. If you are targeting snook and reds, remember it is catch and release only until mid-May 2019 due to the red tide. We always encourage catch and release for these fish at any time, as well. If you want to target them, look no further than oyster bars and along the mangroves. Throw live shrimp or sardines and you will get a bite if they are in the area.
We have our fingers crossed hoping our local fishery will bounce back after the tough conditions over the past few months. Hopefully the cooler temps and clean water will bring some amazing late fall action! Get out there and see what’s biting! Good luck and tight lines!