redfish lagoon

Fall is my favorite time of the year. Mullet schools as far as the eye can see, shallow flats full of bull redfish, black drum, and sea trout as well as tarpon, jacks and snook along the beaches — there truly isn’t a better time of the year to fish, in my opinion.

Unfortunately the wind has really kept me from fishing the beaches and inlets. Hopefully, the next few weeks we will get a bit of a break from the winds, allowing anglers to get out there and fish the upcoming mullet run. Meanwhile, the river fishing is on fire. Almost any sandbar with a sharp drop off is holding large redfish and black drum, which have been cooperating quite well. Large gold spoons, topwater plugs, and dark colored swim-baits have been producing the best bites. The drum have been roaming the same areas, as well as around some of the bridges in large numbers. A 4 inch Gulp shrimp dead sticked along the bottom on a 1/4oz. jig head has been getting it done! Blue crab quarters and dead shrimp have been working well, too. I personally prefer the plastics to avoid everyone’s favorite — the hard head catfish.

Another great bite lately has been the speckled sea trout. Anglers can find these fish cruising just about every mangrove shoreline early in the morning and late evening. Topwater plugs and small paddle tail jigs like the D.O.A. cal in Texas croaker and silver mullet are getting all the action. With the water levels still being quite high, cast and retrieve as tight to the bushes as possible. Be sure to wet your hands before handling any fish to minimize the chance to cause it any harm. Catch and release is crucial to sustain the fishery for future generations.

Also, for anyone looking for a fun charter and a way to give back, any trip booked from October 1st -5th with me I’ll be donating 100% to the Bahamas relief fund. I encourage anyone to get involved even if it’s as small as sharing a Facebook post, these people are in need and you never know when we could be in their shoes. Good luck and tight lines to all!