Some folks don’t think we have seasons here in Florida, but if you spend your time outside you’ll see and feel changes. For example, when I start out before daybreak to catch minnows my outfit has changed from shorts and a t-shirt to slickers, and some mornings even require boots. Our water temps are down into the seventies and will continue dropping into February. Snook are very temperature sensitive; but Redfish more tolerant. Trout closes south of Tarpon Springs on the first of November. Outside Grouper will move closer into shallower waters now. Both Mackerel will probably peak soon; their movements are controlled by water temps. Winter snow is not a problem, but cold weather changes our tactics.

I have noticed the white pelicans, ducks, etc, have been flying south ahead of recent weather, a sure warning of winter’s approach. On the water baitfish and migratory Mackerel, Sharks, Cobia, etc. have moved in and offer hot action until the water temps drop below 70 degrees. Because now one knows how soon the fronts will get cold enough to run these migrations south, it’s time to fish whenever the winds allow. We are blessed with moderate weather here in Florida, but our fishing varies dramatically with water temps. We can expect great fishing during this transition period. Snook will still feed aggressively during the warmer periods, especially on the south winds just ahead of fronts. Since we did get cooler than normal in October expect to find fish upstream earlier than normal.

Try canals, creeks, rivers, and deeper protected waters. Minnow may be hard to catch so it’s time for lures. Rattletraps, MirrOLures, and, of course, soft plastics are all proven producers. If you can fish only cooler days try protected areas and go slow. Redfish almost seem to enjoy the cooler waters. As the cooler northest winds blow the water from grass flats Reds drop into deeper protected edges and hold until the incoming tide flow. They still eat if they see food and you can catch a lot of fish if you locate ‘em. Be patient with all fish in cooler waters; slow down the retrieve! Soft plastics and gold spoons are great; pinfish are choice natural baits. Fly fishing is fun on calmer days. It can be even more productive than bait because you can float your fly in so quietly, without a big splash. The flats waters are crystal clear and sight fishing is challenging now. Many flats fish are perfect slot keepers. The schools of over slot “bull Reds” are mostly in the Gulf now; and the smaller fifteen to twenty inch “rat Reds” bunch up now in the holes of deeper creeks and rivers.

Trout are closed from Tarpon Springs south in November and December. Because Trout are so delicate it is not a recommended catch-and-release target. Handle any you accidentally catch carefully or the closure is wasted. Grouper fishing will improve as fish come into shallower water for winter. Many of us locate these traveling migrations by trolling large lipped lures. You may want to add a short piece of wire while Kings and Cuda are still around. Try trolling to and from your known numbers so you learn new bottom structures. New spots are the best ones and you will enjoy the fact that you found new numbers and learned more about fishing. Deep diving lipped lures or spoons on dive planers get your presentation deep to hungry fish. Mark your bites and carefully search the new area for structure, ledges, breaks, rock piles, etc. Mackerel should peak soon with the cooler weather we encountered in late October. Everything here revolves around water temps; when it drops below sixty-eight they are gone! We did enjoy some good action on nice Kings from five to twenty pounds recently and the Spanish were up to five and six pounds. I do expect red hot action when we get some northeast winds, away from shore, to draw fish and minnows inshore. Clear waters and moderate winds are necessary for good Mackerel action.

Trolling lures or spoons, (hardware) is the easy way to find and catch both Macks. Wire leaders prevent cutoffs but fool fewer fish. Mono and fluorocarbon produce strikes, but you will lose some lures. Life is full of tradeoffs; decide for yourself which method to adopt. I use a short wire on Kingfish and thirty to fifty pound fluorocarbon on Macks. Live minnows are great if you are set to catch and hold ‘em. Observe other boats catching fish, but please do not hamper their action. Most welcome company as long as you do not interfere with their fishing. Large Kings can run a long ways so keep at least a hundred yards away from other boats. Winter is coming soon; we do have great fishing now if you can match your time off with the weather conditions. Fair weather venture outside or we can usually find action in protected waters during the windy times. “Old Man Winter” is breathing down our necks already! Let’s go fishin’ soon. Capt. Van Hubbard Past President of Florida Guides Association and Winner of 1999 Mote Marine Award info@captvan.com