Things are changing! It’s about that time of the year where we start to experience more wind, cooler temps, and rougher seas. With that being said, it can be some of the best fishing, and at times even some of the slowest fishing.

Either way, it’s great to finally start to see some cooler weather! Although we haven’t seen any drastic changes with the weather, even a difference of only a few degrees can be really significant. Cold fronts and the weather have a huge impact on fishing in general. I have found the fishing right before a front can be absolutely insane with numbers into the double digits, but after the front with the sudden change fishing can be down right brutal! This time of the year I prefer a little later start. Personally, I like to get started around 8 or 9, just as the water starts to warm up a little.

This week was fairly good fishing! The drum bite remains pretty good with some days better than others, but a stinky dead shrimp, or half blue crab on a 1/4 oz mission fishn Jighead has been getting the job done! Also, mid morning fishing around the spoil islands in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian river have been doing pretty good on tailing redfish, these fish take patience and a good cast, try to keep as much distance between yourself and the fish as possible! I like to throw beyond the fish with my rod tip up high and a fast retrieve keeping the lure or bait of choice skimming the surface. Once you get within a foot or so away from the fish, allow the bait to drop and keep it very still — it’s very critical to keep your bait in front of the fish, not behind, or to where your bait or line is going to touch the fish. The proper cast with a gulp shrimp, or live shrimp can really do the trick and make for some memorable eats!

This is also one of my favorite times to throw the fly! A black and purple or tan shrimp imitation fly on light leader works wonders. Most fish this week have been a bit smaller between 18 and 30 inches! Please try to practice catch and release for future generations as I do on all of my charters and guided fishing trips!