With much of the country locked in a battle with Mother Nature right now I figured that a little fishing report would warm everyone up and create a little excitement for what was and should continue to be one of the best fishing seasons in recent memory.As I have stated in most of my fishing reports, 2010 was by far one of the most productive years for Speckled Trout, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel and Giant Black Drum fishing in recent memories.Those of you that had the opportunity to get in on some of these memorable fishing days are probably looking towards the 2011 season with high hopes and expectations and to be honest with all of you so am I.
Although 2011 is right around the corner we are still enjoying some excellent 2010 fishing here along the NatureCoast.As always the usual suspects Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheephead and Black Drum are all still in abundance and top targets for this time of year.Even though the cold weather has seemed to take a toll on anglers from time to time, angler who’ve braved the cool weather have found that sometimes the coldest most tough weather days can turnout to be some of the best days for fishing.An impending front, accompanied by cooler weather usually will trigger a massive feeding frenzy that could last for days.Typically Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Black Drum are the main species that are triggered by approaching weather, but it is not unheard of for some of the pelagic species who should normally be offshore to come inshore to feed.Macks, Jacks, and even Bonita can sometimes rush inshore to get in on a baitfish blitz before an impending weather change, SO ALWAYS KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN!!!
November and Decemeber have always been prime months for anglers interested in chasing BIG Redfish in shallow water and this year has been no exception.With very little rain and light winds the shallow waters where these Big Reds live have been crystal clear making for perfect sight casting opportunities.On a recent trip I had the opportunity to introduce Matt Joyce of the Tampa Bay Rays to this style of fishing.From the very first area you could tell he was getting pumped up with this style of fishing.With tails, swirls, and wakes pushing all around us it’s hard not to get fired up.As we eased into a small creak with a big rocky cove we noticed a few pushes followed by a shimmering in the water.As we moved in a little closer it was obvious what was causing the nervous water.3 Monster Reds all well over the 27”slot were hovering close to a school of mullet.Once we dropped the PowerPole we sat and watched these fish mill around unsuspected of the onslaught that was getting ready to happen. Matt’s first cast into the corner of the cove was a bull’s eye and it took only 30 seconds for him to come tight on a nice 29” Redfish.Once this fish was boat side, there were high fives flying and even a few chest pumps.Matt would go on and continue to land 4 or 5 more before we called it a day.In total we landed over a dozen Reds most outside of the slot but the fact that we brought another angler to “darkside” of shallow water fishing is priceless in my book.
So if you to are interested in joining the “darkside” of shallow water fishing and are interested in challenging some Large Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheephead and Black Drum on light tackle or on fly gear now may be a perfect time to give it a try.
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