The wind has kept me off the water more than I’d hoped over the past couple of weeks, but I still managed to get a few solid trips in. I’ve been noticing increased sheepshead activity, particularly around mangrove roots, so I decided to target them during one outing using my favorite sheepshead bait—mangrove tree crabs. That choice paid off with a nice 18 inch fish.

On another trip, I was fishing a wind-protected flat with a 3-inch paddle tail when I hooked into a large snook. Unfortunately, she didn’t make it—an enormous shark took her right next to my kayak.

The wind may be persistent this time of year, but the cooler water has the fish on the move. Sheepshead activity is picking up fast, and it’s shaping up to be a great start to the fall bite. Get out there when you can and enjoy some solid action.