Water temperatures are on the down slide, which means hot fish bites. This is one of the better months for fishing Cobia along the channel and range markers inside the bay. The best times are towards the end of either incoming or outgoing tides. The slack tides allow the Cobia to surface feed on the small baits around the structures. Live pinfish suspended several feet under a large cork works great, as this helps keep the bait in sight of the Cobia long enough to get a strike. Mangrove Snapper move into the artificial reefs and rock piles striking small greenbacks and live shrimp. Use a #1 jay hook or a 1/0 circle hook with a small lead just enough to get to the bottom. Trout action kicks in as the water temperature drops.

Try using top water plugs in the morning, and, as the day progresses, move to a medium runner plug or jigs. Snook have moved back inside the bay this month along the shores of Cockroach Bay, Bishop Harbor, and Joel’s Island. After a long hot summer they start to settle down and get back to their normal feeding pattern; early morning and late evenings and, of course, always at night. Live greenbacks are a must as long as the bait is in the bay. Shrimp works great at night free-lined under the lights and top water plugs early in the morning. Redfish schools will move in around the oyster beds with the incoming tide, and small blue crabs or medium greenbacks are bound to get a hit. I have found some of the new scented baits on the market work great for just leaving on the bottom, and, in some cases, it’s out fished live bait. Artificial reefs start producing some of the best Grouper catches this time of year. I prefer frozen Spanish sardines suspended several feet from the bottom, using a 5/0 circle hook, leaving the rod in the rod holder, and the Grouper will hook himself. Meanwhile, you’re fishing with a light tackle for Mangroves and Sea Bass. Capt. Sergio Atanes S & I Charters, Inc. www.reelfishy.com