Inshore we are starting to see our usual fall patterns. As I type this, the water temperature was close to 70 degrees today. Redfish are schooled up and moving around the backcountry. Where they are one day, they may not be the next. Chasing food, digging around in the mud and searching for a quiet place to hang out. There is nothing quite like pulling up to a happy school of redfish. Anglers have been hooking up to these reds using shrimp and artificial baits. When they are in a school, a rattling type lure or a flashy soft plastic will get their attention in the dark colored waters.
Recently, snook have taken over one of Capt. Andrew's favorite redfish spots. No complaints here, the BIG ladies were pouncing on white bait. Big eats and really putting on a show. We are still tagging fish for Grey Fish Tag Research. Just this week, 10 snook and redfish were tagged and released in Charlotte Harbor and surrounding locations. What does that mean for you? FREE Costa's and a tee shirt if you catch one, take a photo of the tag in the fish and report it via the 1800 # or website on tag! Scientists rely on local fishermen for data collection. This information will help researchers better understand, growth, breeding and environmental changes that could be impacting these fish.
We also tag triple tail and sheepshead, which are moving in now that our waters are cooling down. Both of these fish can be sight cast as they stick to structure. Both floating and stationary. They are ambush feeders that grab a quick meal as it drifts by. Sheepshead also love barnacles and will pick at them with their human like teeth underneath docks and boats. With a lot of our inshore species protected, they make a GREAT meal. Its always a tradition in our family to fish thanksgiving morning and bring home some fresh triple tail.
