The first cool breaths of fall have arrived, and the fish definitely have responded.
Catching bait has been relatively simple. Diving pelicans are marking the massive schools of greenbacks that are littered across the flats and beaches. Although most of this bait is small, there are some large greenbacks in the mix. Taking the time to catch an extra few of the select baits may pay off big later in the day.
Offshore, the first migrations of kingfish are beginning to arrive. Most of these fish are beyond the 60-foot depth. A mild cold front or two should be enough to usher in the main push of this pelagic species. When the kingfish do arrive in full force, the bulk probably will come through in fairly shallow water. This fall migration is nice as it allows smaller boats access to some of the fastest game fish in the world.
Trolling spoons and other artificial offerings is easy and usually will produce plenty of action. Slow trolling live baits might not produce as many fish as artificial baits, but it usually yields the largest kingfish.
Grouper fishing continues to improve. School-size gags keep pushing into shallower water. Fishing in 40-50 feet should produce the most consistent action. Though cut baits and frozen sardines work well, large live pinfish and pigfish will produce the largest catches.
Plenty of Spanish mackerel and bonito are feeding on the schools of sardines that are just offshore. Keep a couple of light rods rigged with small spoons or jigs on the boat just in case you come across them.
Inshore, the red fishing has been just about as good as it gets. The past few trips have revealed some of the largest schools in recent memory.
Redfish tend to gather into large schools during the fall and feed ravenously as they roam across the flats. Though some of these schools number in the hundreds, they can be a little tricky. Many of these schools are showing up in unexpected places and most aren't staying in one area for very long. Scouting different flats, whether by driving or working artificial lures, has been the best method of locating these schools.
Once you hook or find a redfish, anchor up and start throwing handfuls of greenbacks in its direction. Odds are there are other reds nearby. If you don't get an immediate reaction, be patient; eventually, the school will find the extra baits. Chumming profusely can incite a school of redfish into a feeding frenzy. Last week we had so much success with this tactic that we actually had redfish cornering baits against the side of the boat.
Snook fishing has started to pick up around the Anclote and Cottee rivers. Fish are easing themselves to the mouths of these waterways in anticipation of cooler weather. They should feed quite well on strong tides until the water temperature gets into the low 70s.
Plenty of consistent action exists for those anglers who don't mind catching ladyfish and jack crevalle. Chumming docks and oyster bars in local rivers and canal systems will produce all the rod bending an angler would ever want. These species aren't as prestigious as other inshore quarry, but they are willing to bite and fight all the time. They're also great action for kids, especially on days that don't allow a trip to far out.
