NOVEMBER FISHING REPORT 2017:
We’ve had the first few cold fronts come through, and Fall patterns are in full effect. Flounder are showing up, black drum have been biting well, and snook are still hanging around. While there is still bait around, the schools are smaller as a result of the dropping water temperatures. A few mangrove snapper are still around, but they won’t stay much longer.
Flounder will be the headline fish for at least the next few weeks. Anglers using mud minnows, live shrimp, and Gulp jigs have been having success. The main push of flounder hasn’t yet arrived, but 20”+ fish are around and biting. Black drum from 2-15 pounds have been readily taking live shrimp when the tide is running. A few redfish are also lurking under the dock. Some are smaller ‘rat reds’, under the slot, while others are bruisers (including reds over 40”). And, yes, some slot reds have been landed as well. Pompano have been caught occasionally, although few anglers have been targeting them. Look for a few nice Spanish mackerel working the bait schools when the tide runs strong around the new and full moons. A few big grouper have rewarded patient fisherman using frozen sardines and live pinfish.
Steve Schwalb