I admit, it’s been a subtle shift from summer into fall, but even if the weather doesn’t reflect it, the shorter days and cooling Gulf waters are sending local anglers a message. One sure harbinger of fall is the arrival of king mackerel to inshore Gulf waters. The appearance of king mackerel, little tunny (a/k/a bonito) and Spanish mackerel are a sure sign that shoals of baitfish are congregating off area beaches.
Anglers wanting to target these species should look for diving birds in the inshore Gulf waters. This is a sure sign of feeding fish. Always approach a school of feeding fish cautiously, getting only as close as your longest cast. If trolling, just run lines and not motors around the edges of action. You’ll be respecting other anglers and have the best chance at catching fish.
There’s been a pickup in action in the inshore waters as well, with schools of redfish prowling the edges from Sarasota Bay to Miguel Bay. Snook action has also been consistent, especially on the last (strong phase) of an outgoing and the early incoming tide.
Stone crab traps are in the water and will be producing some mouthwatering claws starting Oct. 15. This should also signal the arrival of tripletail. These peculiar fish can be found impersonating seaweed on traps, pilings, buoys and any floating objects in bay and Gulf waters. A well-placed shrimp fly, DOA shrimp, or the real thing will most often elicit a response. Remember, tripletail are one of the few fish you can work a bait directly to because they’re ambush feeders.
The fall season through the first strong front in late November is one of my favorite times of the year. The oppressive heat lifts and Gulf and bay waters clear as temperatures trend down from the low 80s. Sight fishing for cruising fish of any kind is my idea of a perfect day on the water. Poling or wading a clear grass flat with fly or spin tackle is the most challenging and rewarding way to pursue gamefish in my world. Whatever your passion, pursue it, keep your ear to the “ground” and the shifting seasons won’t disappoint.