Trout, Sheephead, Flounder, Permit, Prevalent in November
Capt. Lisa Williams
November 23, 2013
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
The wind has been blowing out of the North for the first 2 weeks of November. Even with that, we have been able to find a good variety of fish. And despite the wind, the water has been crystal clear and deep Caribbean blue which is helpful, and hurtful. We can see fish, and they can see us. It is important to remain stealthy when the water is so clear. Approach your fishing ground, whether a grass flat, or mangrove island, as quietly as possible.
Trout are beginning to show up in larger numbers although on the small side. Shrimp on a jig are your best bet to catch Speckled Trout, or a shrimp on a ¼ oz. weight retrieved over grassy areas to produce Silver and Sugar Trout.
Sheephead are beginning to gather in the channels and passes and are getting larger every week. Smaller hooks are best to increase your chances with these toothy critters. When you feel that little tap tap this time of year, it's bound to be a Sheephead. Have patience, but be ready when you do get a good tug.
Permit are becoming a regular catch in a few of the outside passes and in good clear water channels. A little unusual that close to shore, but always a treat. Remember that Permit are schooling fish, so when you get one, you'll likely get several. Live shrimp on a free line are a great rig for Permit.
Flounder to 18" in the sandy bottoms near the outside beaches and inside the passes. Drag a shrimp on a jig along the bottom slowly (I said slowly) until you feel a bite and then let the rig sit until the Flounder decides to take a bigger bite.
Snook are biting well on almost any live bait. We've found a few in the slot, but most are still a little small.
Redfish were fairly abundant the first week in November, but since then have been a little difficult to catch. Maybe the great clear water…we can easily see them…they can see us.
Target Species:
Trout, Sheephead, Flounder, Permit
More Fishing Reports:
