Getting Back to Normal, Winds are down, fishing is improving
Capt. Rob Modys
November 2, 2012
Fort Myers - Saltwater Fishing Report
Wind, wind and more wind was the story of last week, but things are getting better and it looks like we are going to move into a warmer pattern as well. The fishing in the Gulf took a beating, but the backcountry waters produced good fishing despite the weather.
Gag grouper season closed on November 1st but red grouper are still fair game. You'll have to travel out to about 65 feet of water to get them but the trip should be worth it. The high winds and waves kept most boaters off of the Gulf, so the pressure on the fish has been light.
Another regulation that's notable is the lack of our annual sea trout closure. Over the past 10 years or so sea trout season closed in November and December. Not anymore! As of November 1st, 2012 sea trout season is open year round.
Water temperatures have cooled quite a bit in both the back bays and in the Gulf. That will move the fish around and make hunting for them a little more difficult. The redfish have been tucked up close to the mangrove edges so it's important to get your bait offerings as close as possible to the overhangs. Live shrimp on a jig head has been our go-to, along with cut ladyfish on circle hooks. Note... if you don't get a strike in 5 minutes or so, it's time to move.
Trout are on the flats and are feeding in 3 to 5 feet of water. The depth depends on the time of day. We've found them deeper in the mornings and then shallower in the afternoon. A popping cork rig with live or artificial shrimp works well and it seems the larger fish like the artificials better. We've got a warm up scheduled for this week, so don't overlook topwater lures. Big trout love them!
Last but not least, sheepshead are moving into their winter haunts. We've caught several good sized ones on each trip using live shrimp on small jigs. Look for them near oyster bars and in the deeper cuts near mangrove islands.
More Fishing Reports:
