Inshore:
The redfish bite continues to smoking hot! Water temps are still hovering in the lower 60′s, and the reds are aggresively trying to “fatten up” before winter arrives in full. They are schooling in great numbers on the low tide flats, and a Zman Paddler, Gulp! shrimp, live minnows, etc. are all great bait choices. In addition to the low tide flats, there are still good numbers holding on structure and along shell points and creek mouths. The trout bite continues to be sporatic, but we have heard some more good reports of anglers trolling soft plastics along the grass line near high tide. Again, a Zman Paddler, chicken on a chain, chatterbaits, and DOA shrimp if you want to cast are all solid choices to tie on. Sheepshead are still producing great reports anyhwere from the jetties, to along almost all of our bridge pilings, and along docks that have a lot of barnacle growth on the pilings. The HPT 6-week sheepshead tournament is in full swing, but it is not too late to sign up for the final two weeks and try your hand with the convicts!
Offshore:
Bottom fishing closures have really slowed the amount of anglers venturing out lately, but those that have slipped out have reported back some fantastic grouper reports from 90-150ft of water. Live pinfish are always a bait of choice, but cigar minnows and butterfly jigs are other great options. Though not really an “offshore” target species, I got to add that the weakfish are holding pretty good right now on our nearshore reefs. Vertical drop a DOA shrimp or a Zman ultra shrimp for ‘can’t fail’ baits for the weakfish.
Scott Hammond
Manager – Haddrell’s Point
843-573-3474