Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Fall fishing has arrived
Fall is in the air. Feel it? Cooler temperatures, first at night then the days begin to cool down too. With those cooling temperatures come some rain and thunderstorms. But generally the weather is mild barring a major storm.
As the water temperatures begin to fall up north, the fish migrate south to warmer waters. Species like Spanish mackerel, Atlantic Pompano, blues, spots and others make a visit here on their way south. Some of these species have been here all summer but really show up in big numbers this time of year.
The cooler temperatures are also a lot easier on the angler. While there is still plenty of sunshine to enjoy it’s not as hot and muggy. In fact the crispness of the morning air is a welcome feeling to most of us about this time of year. Even without the great fishing, there is something special about being out on the water in the fall, it is refreshing!
Catching report
Inshore activity is really picking up now that the storms have moved out and the water has cleared up.
Spot are being caught on the piers “two at a time” with a few being caught in the waterway near the inlets with blood worms working best. The pompano are chewing on fresh shrimp and sand fleas. Some nice one to two pounders are being caught in the surf and on the pier. Plenty of black drum and croakers are being caught on the piers using shrimp pieces.
Speckled trout are in the surf and can be found near the marsh grass and in creeks and ditches near the inlets as well. They are biting well on live shrimp but gulp! Artificial bait and a variety of lures are working well. Big drum are still being caught in the surf and around the shoals, try some cut mullet for good results. Puppy drum are still biting in the waterway. Finger mullet and small menhaden are working well but some anglers are having good results on top water lures and spinner baits.
The Spanish mackerel bite has been very hot near the inlets and beaches with the best bite in the early morning and late afternoon. Clark spoons and diamond jigs are working well. Get them now as they will be moving south soon. Plenty of blue fish are also being caught.
Kings are being caught offshore but should be moving in close to the beach as the water clears up from the storms and the bait returns. Offshore the mahi bite is moving back out closer to the gulf stream. Good catches of wahoo and tuna are also being reported.
Tight lines and hope you catch ‘em up!
