Fall Gator Trout Abound…Trick Is Finding Them

A beautiful warming trend has blanketed the area the past week. Inshore gamefish that pulled a Houdini after the last few consecutive cold fronts, are now in better fall positions and willing to oblige.

Trout are the ol’ cool weather standby. The inshore grassflats, creek and river mouth cul-de-sacs, oyster bars, and warmed power plant discharge waters are where they can be found. Topwater jerk baits, jigs, live shrimp, and the ever so elusive scaled sardine are all producing.

Massive schools of jacks in the 1^st grade to 3^rd grade class category are marauding the flats around river mouths, the flats warmed by the steamplant, and in/adjacent to deepwater canals. This fish can produce some tackle busting action on just about anything that you offer.

Snook for the most part can be found tucked just inside and around drop offs in the rivers, channels, and holes near deeper water. A few reds are being taken in the same areas that you will find any of these other flats fish. However, docks that are situated over dredged channels (particularly around river mouths and residential bayous) are prime spots. The old standby (jumbo shrimp and small split shot) will best produce dock reds, as well as, sheepshead, trout, black drum and ladyfish.

Spanish mackerel is being taken along the beaches and the flats from all depths. The live baiters are getting smoker kings on the hard bottom and passes on the tide changes (outgoing). The main schools of kings are not being caught as consistant this fall. Actually this is not all that uncommon during fall. These are fish of many variables and I’d be willing to bet they are moving down the coast well offshore in this area.

A few permit, pompano, and tarpon can be taken by those willing to put in the effort. Grouper are being taken in all depths, but with the current water temperature, 25 to 30 feet is a good starting point.

For those special folks who expressed their concern: My brother Mike left our human world on the 1^st. 32 years is not a long life, but he had a great one. He left with pride, class, and dignity. He showed no fear and well accepted his fate. He left with no pain, and will never suffer any ever again. No words could ever express the hole this has left in many lives. He wanted to be remembered, but too… let him go. So we will. Thanks to all in the fishing community, clients and friends who helped my family and I, as well as watched over my business through this entire tragedy. I will not forget!

Screaming drags and tired arms!