Fishing has been good! On some days the bite has been very good! There are lots of small seatrout and redfish. Small fish while not generally the target are good sign for fishing this fall! Those who like to throw a cast net will find plenty of shrimp in the creeks! There are lots of small shrimp hanging close to the banks as well as lots of shrimp prefect for eating or fishing!
Those fishing live shrimp can quickly go through a quart of live shrimp. The creeks and rivers are teeming with life! Pin fish, croakers, yellow tails are just few of the small fish that are abounding. These fish usually considered a nuisance can make excellent bait for large seatrout or reds! Pitching plastic can be problematic with so many small toothy fish around. Those desiring to pitch artificials for seatrout might find hard baits more satisfactory. Redfish are still scattered but as mullet school up so will the reds!
There some tarpon on beachfronts! Finding large menhaden has been difficulty. Fishermen who are putting the time in are finding some tarpon on the beachfronts, outer sandbars and sloughs. The bite has not been strong. Nonetheless there are some tarpon to tangle with! In addition to tarpon on days when the water begins to slit up large rays can be encountered either by rod and reel or witness a large ray becoming airborne during its chasing of a bait fish. These big rays can easily be in the hundreds of pounds. One fishermen on my boat in a recent trip said, “rays don’t play”. The pull is incredible! After a several minuets its usually possible to detect whether you’re dealing a ray or fish. For safety sake cut leader well away from your hook and stay clear of its harpoon ladened tail.
The whiting bite has been surprising good! When large schools of menhaden arrive so will the predator fish. For now the whiting bite has is good! There are plenty baby black tip sharks in the sounds.
Bonnet head sharks can be working points for shrimp and crabs! Bonnet heads can give a great fight. Typically bonnet heads are not though of as a food fish, just a fun fight!
When tides are springing, close to or at the full moon, anticipate fishing to be problematic.
Hope this report is of help and interest! Keep what you want to eat and release the rest!
Fish On! Capt. Jack McGowan
