Fall Redfish and Snook
Capt. Austin Lowder
November 7, 2009
Boca Grande - Saltwater Fishing Report
Fall is upon us and water temperatures are falling back into the 70's and low 80"s in the afternoon. Redfish continue to spread out in the backcountry and the sight fishing is awesome. Low tides have been producing great catches of redfish along grass and sand edges and even up against the banks with their backs out of the water. The fish are definitely eating crabs and shrimp primarily and are often found with their heads down on the sand or grass tailing. A well presented fly has been the best way to catch them. The wind continues to blow out of the Northeast and the tides are very low during the full moon pattern. The flyfishing opportunites are tremendous. I had an angler out last week and we landed 20 snook and 10 redfish sight fishing in less than a foot of water using a Borski shrimp fly. The fish were busting baitfish and shrimp in tight quarters way up in the backcountry and many of the fish were so shallow they were backing and crashing the fly, it was truly awesome.
Snook fishing is definitely in transition. The snook are making their way up the rivers and creeks in preparation for winter and are feeding aggressively on the right tides. Many Snook are holding on deep sandy edges as well as the super shallow water along the shorelines. The sight fishing is superb. Baitfish patterns such as Enrico's Oscar look just like much of the bait in the creeks and they are working great. Topwater flies like deer hair sliders, muddlers, and gurglers are working great. The Snook will continue to move off the beaches and out of the passes as the gulf temperature falls, and we will continue to see large numbers of snook on the flats until water temps dip below 70 degrees. I consider the fall to be the best time for flyfishing in Charlotte Harbor. Low tides are characteristic of this time of year and sight fishing opportunities are great when the tide is low. Call 941-815-0254 to book a charter or check out my website at www.seaandstreamflyfishing.com. Tight lines and happy fishing!!
Captain Austin Lowder
Boca Grande Fishing Forecast:
Fall fishing is as good as it gets for flyfisherman. With winter on it's way the tides are low and I expect the fly fishing to stay good. Boat traffic is at a minimum, the tides are low, and the fish are feeding heavily and I think the fishing will stay good right through the winter.
Target Species:
Snook, redfish, tarpon, cobia
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