by Captain Terry Fisher
Fishing strategies begin to change this time of year. Winds begin to be more predominant out of the north and east lowering both water temperature and tide levels. Reef species will begin to move in to shallower depths toward the outer islands from the Gulf of America. Offshore anglers will not have to travel as far offshore (50-70 miles) for large groupers and snappers as they did during the summer months. They can expect to find the bigger fish in 85 feet or less of water (30-40 miles out). Baits of choice include shrimp, squid, Pinfish and finger Mullets. Use medium heavy rod ratings for offshore fishing.
Inshore anglers will have opportunities at larger Sheepshead, Seatrout, Mangrove Snapper and Snook. November fishing will require working areas other than the spoil islands since lower tides will not provide ‘high’ water levels. The ‘axis ‘of the earth tilts more southerly preventing stronger gravitational pull, dramatically reducing tide levels. During lower (winter) tides, I look to the beaches, passes, docks and deep holes which are more likely to hold fish. Live baits of choice are shrimp, Pilchards and Pinfish. The bite should be good. Work the docks along the passes as well as the shoreline along the beaches. Use light tackle for best results and enjoyment of fishing.
Crab season is open and the Triple Tail should be holding on the buoys. However, scouting and catching them will be expensive due to the high gas prices.
November might be one’s last chance for scoring a ‘Redfish of a Lifetime’ as the bigger Redfish ‘(Bull Reds’) will be moving back out to the deeper waters of the ‘Gulf’ to ‘winter’. Therefore, I am going to focus the remaining part of this article to catching big Redfish inshore while the opportunities still exist. My strategies to find and catch these fish rarely change. On high tides they will congregate in schools and will move into areas around and under Mangrove roots that offer protection. On low tides, look for them under docks and around the passes where the current is strong. I offer the following strategies for catching these fish;
- Fish the top half of the incoming and outgoing tides around the points of spoil islands and oyster bars.
- Stealth is required for the larger Redfish (‘Bull Reds’).
- When possible, fish when the wind direction is southerly (south, southeast or southwest) as the water levels will tend to be higher along the mangroves providing more food, nutrients and protection.
- Although there are a number of artificial presentations that work (gold spoons, soft plastics and top water), but one needs a vessel equipped with a trolling motor for best results, as one must keep moving when using artificial presentations. Conversely, I like prefer to use live or cut baits on a weighted jig head under a popping cork suspended above the seabed or simply place the bait of choice on the seabed using a weighted jig head. All presentations need to be close or just under the mangroves for best results. Effective baits include live Pilchards, cut Pinfish, Blue Crab, Ladyfish and Mullet.
- Do not arrive to fish mangroves after a high tide is in full display (topped out), as the fish will be too far under the mangroves to target.
- When the November tides are too low for the backcountry mangrove areas, fish the fish under docks that hold deeper water pockets with current flow.
The annual Fort Myers Boat Show will be held November 12–15 at the convention center in downtown Fort Myers. I’ll be at the fishing seminar area all four days, demonstrating fishing techniques and sharing strategies and spots to help make your next fishing trip a success. I look forward to catching up with past clients and meeting new ones!
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone good November fishing. Call me at 239-357-6829 or email fishfacecharters@yahoo.com to book a charter on my vessel or on yours. I am available as ‘Captain for Hire’ (by the hour) on your vessel to assist with safety, navigation, fishing techniques, and locations that will help make your every experience a success. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com