Water temps cool, fishing heats up as we move into November
As we settle into the month of November, anglers fishing around Anna Maria Island can expect the fall bite to really kick off.
Spanish mackerel, kingfish, bonito and sharks will be available close to shore in the weeks to come. In some instances, these species should be found within one mile of the beaches. For all of the species, anchoring and chumming with live shiners can be quite effective. Free-lining your baits among the chum generally triggers an instantaneous bite.
When rigging for Spanish mackerel, a long shank hook should suffice although, if you’re seeing kingfish behind the boat, you’ll probably want to add some wire leader to your rig.
Trolling is also an option, especially when targeting the kings or bonito. Lipped plugs are affective as well as silver spoons.
On the flats, the cooler weather will trigger inshore species, such as snook, redfish and trout to begin feeding heavily. Casting live shiners against the mangroves will work well for snook and reds. For the trout, live shiners are good, but artificials such as soft plastics on a jig head will work, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tying on a topwater plug. As the water temps fall into the mid 70s, the trout tend to be rambunctious and will readily take a plug on the surface.
On my Just Reel charters out of Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, I’m seeing the flats fishing improving as we experience some slightly cooler water temps. Snook fishing around the mangroves is getting quite good. There are also redfish lurking in the same areas, which is always a welcome site. Spotted sea trout are quite abundant on the deeper flats, although slot-size fish are hard to come by. Limits are still being caught by my clients, although it requires some patience while sifting through the many smaller ones.
Visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ for salt water regulations.
