Inshore-
November has always been a transitional month. This means changing your fishing techniques as the mullet run comes to an end as they begin to migrate out of our region. Fishing small jigs for pompano, redfish, flounder, black drum is a great idea this week. T & A wacky pompano jigs on 20-30 lb leaders work great and allow you to drift along large areas of the river and jig until you find a concentration of fish. Tipping these jigs with shrimp can also help when the bite is slow. Pompano will be along sandy flats near deep water. Snook fishing has been decent when using live bait around structure. Some tarpon are still lingering around but be prepared to soak a live bait for long periods to get the bites. BKK circle hooks to match your baitfish with a 40-60 lb leader will do the trick for snook and tarpon. Expect a few large jacks in the mix as well.
Offshore-
Fishing this week has been excellent for mahi, blackfin tuna, cobia, sailfish, & snapper. Trolling or drifting live baits in 90-220′ of water around weedlines has been working well for a variety of pelagics. Bottom fishing has been good around the 8 mile for vermillion snapper, lane snapper, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, and a few cobia. Fishing the bottom with chicken rigs and or long leader rigs with dead or live sardines has been deadly for larger snappers. Long leaders typically run 15-40′ based on conditions and what you feel comfortable fishing with based on your boat layout.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Jonathan
