Happy Fishing! Check out this week's Big Bend fishing report
APALACHEE BAY
Otto Hough (Facebook @myhometownfishing) says, ” Well, from overnight air temps in the mid-to-upper 30s last week, now to nighttime temps sitting in the 60s this past week, coupled with daytime temps in the low 80s, all have served to push skinny water temps upward into the lower 70s. At midweek, near bathtub water temps returned up close to the hill bringing back late summertime morning fishing patterns. Hopefully the mercury will begin to slip back down, again! For now, it's late summertime conditions. The new moon bite has been strong, both inside and outside, though bouts with the wind a few days significantly reduced enjoyable outside fishing conditions for gags. Remember, red snapper closed this past Sunday at the stroke of midnight. However, two more long weekends await in November. Be patient. The snapper are bountiful.
"Over these next three days, the post new moon bite ought to remain strong, though the east winds Friday, especially Saturday morning will put a moderate chop across Apalachee Bay creating some morning aggravations. If drift fishing for trout, there will be some quick drift lines given early stiff east winds. The post new moon low tides these next three days will be in the negative column going into the late morning hours. It'll be time to work the creek mouth drains as well as the surrounding flats when that pre-safelight high starts falling out.
"The topwater plugs like the One Knockers, Skitterwalks, Super Spooks and Moonwalkers have been garnering the attention of both the trout and reds, but near the Aucilla don't be surprised if an occasional snook doesn't slam the offering. Personally, I'm of the opinion that the eastern portion of the Big Bend waters are harboring some 2nd and 3rd generation post Michael snook that have subsequently adapted to our North Florida winters by spending their winters relishing the warmth of the numerous spring holes in the rivers, as have the juvie tarpon over the years.
"Here's a heads-up going into next week on into the following week. The St. Marks Refuge will closed from Oct. 31-Nov. 4 and Nov. 7-10 for repaving and shoulder work along the roadway to the Lighthouse. There won't be any Refuge or ramp access during those dates. Launch at the Fort, Shell Point or Mandalay during those periods.
"As always, here it goes again as I'm going to admonish all to wear an auto-inflatable PFD at all times, especially when that big motor is whirring. Remember, if not worn, that auto-inflatable PFD does not count towards the USCG life saving requirements. If you take that auto-inflatable off, there must be at least one USCG approved PFD on board for each occupant. Just practice good common sense while enjoying all that our Big Bend waters offer. Just FISH!
ST. GEORGE ISLAND
Captain Russ Knapp (850-653-5072) reports, “At the time it looks like another cold front is going to arrive just in time for the weekend but as with most things, timing is everything so be sure to check the weather before you make plans. Current forecast has SE winds at 15 to 20 knots and seas at 2 to 4 feet on Saturday, with Sunday a little better with winds SE 10 to 15 knots and seas running 2 to 3 feet. You can look for a 40 to 50 percent chance of rain both days and I'm not sure the seas will only be 2 to 4 on Saturday with that strong of a wind. As for the tides, it's another one of our one tide a day weekends with 2.5-foot highs early in the day and negative .2 low in the early afternoon. This falls into the good news category because you get to sleep in and go to brunch before you head out to fish the first rise of the afternoon tide.
"In the bay, Capt. Christian Everett (850 653 6326) reports slot Reds can be found hiding in the grass on the bayside of SGI, Speckled Trout can be found around the bridge pilings and White Trout are staying warm in the deep holes. The Reds will be happy to take a live or fresh Shrimp fished under a Cajun Thunder right on the edge of the grass when the tide is up. The Speckled Trout will be pleased with the same bait fished on the bottom around the pilings and the White Trout will be happy with most anything. Things are in a state of change with the water temperature falling fast so if things aren't working don't be shy about going to plan B or C.
"Being perfectly honest about it this might well be a good weekend to not go offshore given the weather forecast and it not being a Red Snapper season weekend. All is not lost as there are Red Snapper weekends coming up on Nov 11-13 and Nov. 25-27 so get your gear ready."Tip of the week -- now is a great time to re-lube all the snaps and zippers on your boat before they sit up over the winter and get totally frozen by next spring . I've been using Starbrite Snap and Zipper lube with good results and you can find it at your friendly LOCAL marine store."
MEXICO BEACH
Capt. Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing Mexico Beach, Fl (850 933 8804) reports” We blew right through the 40’s and had a temperature of 36 this morning on the Florida Panhandle. With that, most of our patterns are changed for 2022. Water temp continue to drop with the last one I saw being 75 degrees. We are still in the Pelagic range, but you need to be looking further offshore.
"Inshore fishing has continued to gain momentum over this week. The annual Running of the Bulls tournament has produced some nice pictures of 20 plus pound Redfish. Fish must be released but the rules allow for a measurement and a photo to prove your catch. Large live Shrimp or Gold spoons are the best baits.
"One the offshore front, Red Snapper fishing has been really good during the open days and Jacks, Mangrove Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, and Grouper are filling in on the other days.
"Pin Fish are abundant in the area, so live bait is not a problem. A lot of the frozen bait quality this time of year has been disappointing. This is the time of year where we fish between new cold fronts so, be sure you check the weather before you head down to the area."
KEATON BEACH
Capt. Pat McGriff (onemorecast@gtnet.com) says, “Trout fishing was great this weekend as we, (captain Dave Malone and I) limited out both Friday and Saturday on trout and reds for the Lee Crowe group down from Athens and Greensboro, Ga. We caught the trout on live pinfish and shrimp in 3.5 – 4.5 feet of water and landed our reds on The Old Walmart renegades in the Golden Shiner pattern in less than 3 feet of water.
"Water temps had crashed from 76-78 degrees earlier in the week to 61 degrees early Friday a.m. Shrimp accounted for over half our trout on Friday and Saturday while pinfish took over the bite Sunday and Monday. I had Don Garner, of Valdosta, Ga. out Monday and he and Joe ( sorry forgot his last name) caught their limit with me with two reds which again hit the Renegade GS plugs.
"By Tuesday, water temps were back up to 69 –70 degrees in the afternoons. I would guess they will continue to climb back into the lo seventies if this current warming trend continues.
"I caught a bunch of trout, with our largest trout included, on Sunday on Assassin’s 5 inch shads in the Pink Ghost Pattern 4.5 - 5.5 feet seemed to have the best bite Sunday; but it was slick most of the day. Find some stain, catch a breeze and catch some trout...otherwise it is tough in the too-clear water near the beach."
BIG BEND/PANHANDLE KAYAK
Salt Strong coach Matt Lanier, (matt@saltstrong.com) tells us, ”Fish are fired up with this nice weather we have been having and the temps are starting to stabilize a little bit. This can make for some great conditions!
"The fish are stacking up in numbers at textbook ambush points. Points, drains, feeder creeks, and even docks with good current flow, are great places to look to target for our favorite inshore fish.
"Redfish are being found around oyster bars or hard bottom near shallow areas where the heat will hold better in the cooler days. Be sure to use a weedless presentation (like a Hoss Helix Hook) when fishing the oysters though, as hang-ups and break-offs can be frustrating!
"Trout will be holding on the depth changes and structure while feeding. Find the current coming around points and feeder creeks and creek mouths, and you can find the fish. Paddletails are a great option to use to target these speckled fish. Be sure to use the appropriate weight to get your bait down in the water column where those fish are. Popping corks with shrimp imitation or paddletails are working well on the flats for trout as well.
"Redfish may still hold shallower early in the mornings and move around some as the water temps warm up some in the afternoon, and with all the shrimp that is in the water now, a live or artificial shrimp (like the Salt Strong Power Prawn, or VooDoo Shrimp) is a great option.
During this fall pattern these fish are typically dialed in on larger presentations and baits, so larger size paddletails like the Salt Strong Bomber are great options as they do a great job of matching-the-hatch with the bait they are feeding on. A bonus is, when throwing big baits, you get BIG fish!
"Topwater is still producing great in the morning and even into the afternoon on those calm days, so be sure to throw those favorite topwater lures (Moonwalker, Skitter Walk, One Knockers) with that enticing walk-the-dog action for those big fish looking for an easy meal.
"The Florida Redfish Series Kayak Tournament had an amazing turnout with 28 kayakers in the division! There were some solid fish caught throughout the tournament and one of the largest caught was by angler Boyd Johnson, using a Salt Strong Gold Digger Bomber. Congrats to all who won and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Series opener next year in January!
"If you find yourself on the water and fishing in a spot where you haven’t gotten a bite for the last 15 minutes… it’s time to move. Keep looking for the 90/10 zone where those fish are holding. Don’t waste time in unproductive areas. The fish are moving and so should you
"To get the kids on some fish quickly, a live shrimp under a popping cork around creek mouths and grass lines is a solid producer of fish, and the best part is you never know what you’ll get because everything eats shrimp. EVEN ME!
"If you plan on getting out this weekend, always make sure you check (and double check) your gear and the weather. But most importantly… STAY SAFE & HAVE FUN!"
LAKE SEMINOLE
Capt. Paul Tyre reports, “Wow what a exciting first week of October the water temperature has cooled down into the mid 60’s and the Bass biting! The Topwater bite has been explosive their week I had a great trip with Randall Miller from Destin Fl. He caught over 10 Bass in the 5 to 7 pound range all on Topwater the strikes were incredible!
"The Hybrid / Striper fishing has been very good this week also and will get even better as we move into the Fall. I had a fantastic time with Tom Townly from Homer City Pennsylvania he caught his PB Hybrid!
"When fishing for Hybrid and Stripers, the correct rod paired with a 6:2-1 reel is critical. On the business end of the A-rig, you can't beat the Bass Assassin 4” or 5" Sea Shad rigged on a Bass Assassin jig head.
"For a Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure give me a call to check availability at 850-264-7534 , follow us on Instagram @ Capt.paultyrefishing or email me @ paultyrefishing@yahoo.com.
FRESHWATER
Otto B. fishing says, “The Lake Iamonia bass bite has been on fire in front of and behind the new moon. After the cold snap last week, the quick warm up got the bite cranking solidly. Got to say, nothing has slowed down the aggressive bass strikes on the Zoom Speedvibes worked along the fringes of the big pads out into the coontail mats."
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Here is this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
