navigating peace of mind
Unpredictable waters
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THE FASCINATING JOURNEY OF TARPON MIGRATION
By Dr. Benjamin Cole
Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), known as “silver kings,” are renowned for their acrobatic leaps and strength, making them a top target for anglers. However, their fascinating migration patterns also play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
Tarpon migration is largely driven by the need for feeding and reproduction. Tese highly
migratory fsh can travel thousands of miles, infuenced by water temperature, food availability, and spawning needs. Preferring temperatures above 72°F (22°C), tarpon move south during colder months, seeking warmer waters.
the U.S. Atlantic coast, they travel from Virginia to Florida and the Caribbean, while in the Gulf, they move from Texas and Louisiana to Mexico. Teir northward migration begins in late spring, driven by rising temperatures and abundant food. By summer, tarpon reach as far as Virginia, signaling the start of fshing season. As fall sets in, they return south to warmer wintering grounds.
A key driver of tarpon migration is spawning, typically occurring between May and September in ofshore areas with strong currents. Afer spawning, larvae are carried into estuarine environments like mangroves and marshes, crucial nurseries for juvenile tarpon. Tese habitats are essential for the species’ survival, but environmental degradation threatens their health.
While tarpon are primarily a catch-andrelease species, improper handling during fshing can lead to mortality. Conservation eforts, including safe fshing practices and habitat protection, are essential for sustaining tarpon populations. Organizations like the Bonefsh & Tarpon Trust work to monitor migration, protect critical habitats, and promote responsible fshing.
Found in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, tarpon migration varies by region. Along
Tarpon migration is a remarkable journey, driven by the search for favorable conditions. By protecting these iconic fsh and their habitats, we can ensure their survival and preserve their role in marine ecosystems for future generations.
RIG IT RIGHT FOR THE OPTIMUM BITE
Capt. Russ Walker
If a fsh can see the bait, they’ll hit it much faster than if they must search through grass or mud. Tat’s why I rig to suspend the bait, keeping it above the bottom where fsh can easily spot it. Grass fats are incredibly productive fshing grounds, and targeting the edges where the fat drops of into deeper water is the key to catching bigger fsh.
In around fve to six feet of water, grass growth stops, forming a natural erosional edge where fsh like trout, cobia, tarpon, and mackerel hunt. Tese edges act like a “superhighway” for predatory fsh. While smaller fsh are found on the fat, the big ones hang near the edge, diving into the deeper channel when necessary.
Te best tool for this fshing method is a fat-topped popping cork. Te cork keeps the bait suspended at the desired depth and makes a popping sound when tugged, drawing fsh to the noise. Tis is especially useful for beginners, as it’s an easy technique that produces great results. With just a few pops, the live shrimp below the cork will jump into plain sight, attracting the fsh.
As a charter captain, I’ve found this method efective for anglers of all experience levels. It’s not uncommon to catch 80 to 100 fsh during a four-hour trip using this rig. It works equally well ofshore near wrecks, suspending bait for species like permit.
I make my own 200 lb. rated, fat-topped popping bobbers, stronger and shorter than store-bought versions. Tey’re perfect for fshing
everything from trout to tarpon, with only the hook size and leader changing. Te leader length is always four and one half feet, and the magic depth on the grass-fat edge is fve feet.
Typically, I use a 3/0 Mustad Wide Gap Hook with a 1/4 oz. egg sinker and a 30 lb. fuorocarbon leader. Tis rig works wonders for trout, pompano, mackerel, snook, redfsh, and ladyfsh.
So, give it a try! Pop the cork a few times, remove the slack, and hang on. When the bobber disappears, just “yank it and crank it.” You’ll see your catch increase by at least 40 percent. Fish On!
Capt. Russ Walker is a USCG Masters licensed fshing guide and owner of Tide Walker Charters out of Cape Coral, FL. www.tidewalkercharters.com
PATCH REEF FISHING in the Keys
By A. deGruchy
The Florida Keys transform into a fishing paradise as the intense summer hurricane weather fades and cooler fronts begin to roll in. This fall, it’s all about the patch reefs... vibrant underwater gardens teeming with a variety of species. Targeting these patches is incredibly fun and rewarding. You’ll encounter species like snapper and grouper, along with various types of mackerels. Light-action fishing is always a blast,
and in the Keys, there are countless patch reefs to explore.
To find a patch reef, look for shallow spots scattered with coral and sand, typically just a few miles offshore at depths of typically between 1530 feet. For gear, we recommend using a PENN Spinfisher VII 3500-4500 combo. The Mustad 3/0 Demon circle hooks are reliable, and when it comes to bait, live shrimp are unbeatable. It’s all about enjoying the vibes and seeing what you can reel in... mutton snapper, red groupers, porgies, Spanish mackerels, and much more!
This fall will be even more special with the opening of Three Waters Resort in Islamorada. This elegant new destination offers not just stunning accommodations but also brand-new restaurants and a magnificent ambiance. Imagine savoring fresh culinary experiences while soaking up breathtaking waterfront views. After a day on the water, kick back and enjoy a drink at one of the resort’s dining venues or onsite restaurants.
So come on down this fall and get ready for some fun fishing in the Florida Keys. With Three Waters Resort as your home base and Bean Sportfishing Charters as your vessel, you’ll be hooked on the fishing, the food, and the laid-back vibes!
By Capt. Jack Gohmert
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CHUM BAIT FOR FISHING SUCCESS
Creating your own chum bait can signifcantly boost your fshing success. Chum, a mixture of fsh parts and attractants, draws fsh to your spot by creating a feeding frenzy. Making your own chum lets you tailor it to the fsh you’re targeting and saves money. Here’s a simple guide to making efective chum and using it for the best results.
Chum is a blend of fsh-based materials that attract predatory fsh. When
placed in water, it forms a scent trail and visual signal that lures fsh like snapper, tuna, and sharks. Whether you fsh ofshore, from a pier, or inshore, chum helps by concentrating fsh around your location.
Making chum is straightforward. You’ll need the following:
Tools:
• Food processor or meat grinder
• Bucket or container
• Rubber gloves
• Freezer bags (for bulk storage)
Ingredients:
• Fish scraps (bait lefovers, carcasses)
• Canned fsh (sardines, mackerel, or tuna)
• Fish oil or menhaden oil
• Breadcrumbs or oats (to bulk up the mix)
• Optional: sand or cornmeal (to sink chum faster)
How to Make Chum Bait: Step-by-Step
1. Gather Fish Scraps: Collect lefover fsh scraps or use canned fsh. Local fsh markets are great for sourcing discards.
2. Grind the Ingredients: Use a food processor to grind fsh scraps into a paste. For canned fsh, mash it along with the oil for a strong scent trail.
3. Add Bulk: Mix in breadcrumbs, oats, or cornmeal to bulk up the chum. Tese ingredients absorb oils and create a scent cloud. Sand can help sink the chum.
4. Enhance the Scent: Stir in fsh oil to intensify the scent, making it travel farther underwater.
5. Pack and Freeze: Freeze large batches in bags. When fshing, break of chunks and toss them into the water.
For ofshore fshing, throw small amounts of chum every few minutes to create a steady attractant. For shore or pier fshing, use a chum bag or cage to suspend and slowly release the chum. Adjust the size and consistency of your chum based on the fsh species. Larger fsh prefer coarse chum with chunks, while smaller fsh may respond better to a fne mix that creates a cloud.
Making your own chum is a cost-efective way to improve your fshing. With minimal tools and ingredients, you can craf a bait that attracts fsh and turns a slow day into a successful one.
November around Port Canaveral can be one magical month if we get good weather conditions. When the seas are less than three feet, anglers can get out into the Canaveral Bight by boat and find bluefish, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, shark, redfish and snook working schools of baitfish that are migrating southward along the beaches toward their wintering grounds in south Florida. Most of these species will hit live fingerling mullet or pilchards on a ¼- to ½ounce jig head or a sliding sinker rig. Rapala’s X-Rap minnows in the size 8, 10 or 12 are also very popular lures to troll or cast along this area of the coastline.
Pompano may also be a possibility along the beaches this month for anglers using shrimp or sand fleas. You can use the same types of rigging methods mentioned above when searching for pompano.
Tripletail are another species that anglers usually search for along the ships channel buoys or near floating debris and weeds in the 20 to 40-foot depths. Cast a live shrimp to fish hanging around these floating objects and you should get a positive response. I like to use a 2/0 circle hook attached to a piece of 30-pound test Sufix fluorocarbon leader for this type of fishing. I generally do not use a weight on this rig to let the shrimp swim
Jim Ross
East Coast Tide Charts
NOVEMBER 2024
Charts brought to you by these businesses
1F 2:34 AM 0.39 L
9:14 AM 2.96 H
3:00 PM 0.71 L
Miami Beach, Government Cut
11M 4:02 AM 2.73 H
January 2020
9:17 PM 2.74 H
2SA 3:07 AM 0.37 L
9:52 AM 2.95 H
3:34 PM 0.74 L
9:54 PM 2.7 H
3SU 2:41 AM 0.38 L
9:30 AM 2.91 H
3:08 PM 0.79 L
9:30 PM 2.64 H
4M 3:16 AM 0.41 L
10:11 AM 2.84 H
3:44 PM 0.85 L
10:09 PM 2.58 H
5TU 3:55 AM 0.45 L
10:54 AM 2.76 H
4:25 PM 0.91 L
10:51 PM 2.51 H
6W 4:39 AM 0.51 L
11:41 AM 2.68 H
5:13 PM 0.96 L
11:41 PM 2.46 H
7TH 5:31 AM 0.57 L
12:33 PM 2.63 H
6:11 PM 0.97 L
8F 12:39 AM 2.44 H
6:33 AM 0.63 L
1:30 PM 2.6 H
7:17 PM 0.91 L
9SA 1:45 AM 2.46 H
7:42 AM 0.65 L
2:29 PM 2.62 H
8:24 PM 0.76 L
10SU 2:55 AM 2.57 H
8:51 AM 0.62 L
3:28 PM 2.68 H
9:26 PM 0.54 L
9:55 AM 0.54 L
4:25 PM 2.77 H
10:23 PM 0.28 L
12TU 5:04 AM 2.94 H
10:53 AM 0.45 L
5:19 PM 2.88 H
11:16 PM 0.04 L
13W 6:01 AM 3.13 H
11:47 AM 0.35 L
6:11 PM 2.97 H
14TH 12:06 AM -0.16 L
6:55 AM 3.27 H
12:38 PM 0.28 L
7:02 PM 3.04 H
15F 12:56 AM -0.28 L
7:46 AM 3.34 H
1:28 PM 0.26 L
7:52 PM 3.06 H
16SA 1:45 AM -0.31 L
8:36 AM 3.33 H
2:17 PM 0.28 L
8:41 PM 3.03 H
17SU 2:35 AM -0.26 L
9:25 AM 3.24 H
3:07 PM 0.34 L
9:31 PM 2.95 H
18M 3:25 AM -0.13 L
10:15 AM 3.1 H
3:58 PM 0.45 L
10:21 PM 2.83 H
19TU 4:17 AM 0.04 L
11:05 AM 2.93 H
4:51 PM 0.57 L
11:13 PM 2.67 H
20W 5:12 AM 0.24 L
11:57 AM 2.75 H
5:49 PM 0.68 L
21TH 12:08 AM 2.52 H
6:10 AM 0.44 L
12:50 PM 2.59 H
6:50 PM 0.74 L
22F 1:06 AM 2.39 H
7:12 AM 0.6 L
1:44 PM 2.47 H
7:52 PM 0.75 L
PORT CANAVERAL OFFSHORE
FORECAST
November is a great time of year for fishing. The offshore really starts to get “Fired Up” so to speak.
Bunker are normally in the basins more consistently and much easier to get. Remember to use that large heavy sinking net. If you still can’t locate or catch them, you may have to resort to that box of frozen cigars, but don’t worry, they work just fine. Just head out to the reefs or ridge and start from there for many species like kings and blackfins, or even sails.
23SA 2:07 AM 2.31 H
8:14 AM 0.71 L
28Tu 4:17 AM -0.2 10:50 AM 2.2 4:42
2:37 PM 2.38 H
8:50 PM 0.7 L
24SU 3:09 AM 2.29 H
9:12 AM 0.76 L
3:29 PM 2.34 H
9:42 PM 0.62 L
25M 4:07 AM 2.33 H
10:05 AM 0.77 L
4:18 PM 2.33 H
10:28 PM 0.52 L
26TU 4:59 AM 2.41 H
10:53 AM 0.74 L
5:04 PM 2.35 H
11:10 PM 0.41 L
27W 5:45 AM 2.49 H
11:36 AM 0.69 L
5:47 PM 2.38 H
11:49 PM 0.32 L
28TH 6:28 AM 2.58 H
12:17 PM 0.64 L
6:28 PM 2.41 H
29F 12:27 AM 0.23 L
7:09 AM 2.65 H
12:55 PM 0.6 L
PM -0.1
7:09 PM 2.44 H
30SA 1:04 AM 0.17 L
7:49 AM 2.69 H
1:32 PM 0.57 L
7:50 PM 2.45 H
Typically, this time of year we also see a daily clean line (where the water goes from muddy to clear). Fish that clean water side break and you should do just fine. Normally, Thanksgiving is the time frame where everything really turns on but, typically, this whole month is a “Fire Fight.” The typical stinger wire rigs work just fine with a size 4 treble hook. Just go see Nick at the Fish and Dive Shop and he will hook you up with whatever you need, along with some great looking fresh cigar minnows.
Other species that show up well are mahi and wahoo. There’s no secret here to this kind of fishing. Use your normal ballyhoo rigs and smaller chuggers and find your weed lines, edges or just fish the stream. The fall run can be just as good or better than the spring run. Anything will be better than this year’s spring run honestly!
If you’re looking to keep busy if it’s too rough to go out, fish the jetties with some live mullet or live shrimp, using a small knocker rig or even a split shot. Fluorocarbon is not a bad idea either. Snook and redfish have been doing well and should continue to “Fire.”
Most of all, Happy Thanksgiving and I hope we all have a great rest of the year fishing. Be thankful for what you have. Life could be worse. God Bless!
CAPT. CHRIS CAMERON Fired Up Fishing Charters firedupcharters.com sharkfishingcocoabeach.com (407) 222-3573
Sabrina with a beautiful colored up mahi.
Hey there! This is Capt. Jonathan Moss with another edition of Pro Tips! First and foremost, I hope everyone is doing okay after our several major storms this year.
November is here and, as much as I enjoy summertime, I am thankful for some much needed relief from the summer heat. I’m fairly confident that the fish will agree. As the weather transitions from summer to fall and then winter, I make a few changes to how I approach fishing on the flats. Let’s talk about it.
Bait: As the weather begins to cool in the northeast United States, water temperatures begin to drop and the annual Fall mullet run begins. This migration of bait fish can really kick start the fishing in our area as the mullet arrive. The result: some extraordinary days on the water. But as winter approaches, the mullet will continue their push south and you will see an influx of shrimp in our area. Spending time on the water will help you, the angler, determine which bait is most prevalent in the area which will aid in determining which bait, live or artificial, to use while fishing the flats.
Cold Fronts: As a full time guide, I do not have the luxury of being a fair weather fisherman. Regardless of rain, wind, hot or cold, my job is to put my clients on fish. With that being said, I must consider the weather and the patterns it dictates on the water. Cold fronts typically mean a north or northeast wind. And for the Space Coast, that can be very limiting. Now is the time, while the wind is still manageable, to explore and consider what ramps to use on extra windy days, or what areas provide the most protection from the wind, but also hold fish.
Additionally, anglers need to consider the changing water temperatures with every passing cold front. Mornings that are, as I like to say, “Florida cold” or below 50 degrees, typically mean a later start time. When you are cold, you can almost guarantee that the fish are also cold. Allowing for the sun to rise and begin warming up the water can mean all the difference in fish activity and their willingness to play along.
Lastly, colder water will make fish move to warmer areas. Deeper water takes longer to cool off. On the flip side, shallow water warms up faster. Keep that in mind as you plan out your day. A mid-morning start will have me looking for fish in three to four feet of water. As the sun gets higher in the sky, I’ll transition to shallower water. Additionally, on cold days I look for areas with a muddy bottom. Mud holds heat better than sandy, hard bottom. Therefore, when fish are seeking areas of warmth, a flat or creek with shallow water and a muddy bottom might be your secret honey hole. Tight lines!
Kent hooked a beautiful Mosquito Lagoon speckled sea trout caught on a cool fall morning with Capt. Jonathan Moss on his charter!
SEBASTIAN INLET TO EAU GALLIE CAUSEWAY FORECAST
We had a windy October with hurricanes and a lot of rain, and the mullet run was slow into mid October as well. Hopefully, November will bring some more mullet, the water will clean up in the lagoon and, if the temps stay low, the fishing should stay good through mid to the end of November in the Indian River Lagoon and on the nearshore beaches from Melbourne to Sebastian Inlet.
The inshore snook bite was excellent in October with a lot of slot fish as well as over and under slot fish. The redfish bite was a little slower than anticipated, most likely due to the lack of mullet in the lagoon. Best bait has been live finger mullet or small pinfish and pigfish rigged on a VMC circle hook freelined around the deeper mangroves and spoil islands. Soft plastics from D.O.A. and Rapala hard baits have also been working well around the bait pods. As long as we have warm weather in November, the bite will stay consistent. If we get a heavy cold front, it will shut down the bite for a short time.
Thanksgiving is the kickoff for flounder
season at Sebastian Inlet. The big flounder move into the inlet looking for the finger mullet moving through. Live finger mullet or mud minnows are the key baits, rigged on a fishfinder rig with 20 lb. fluorocarbon leader fished outside on the channel edges. I prefer to jig ½-ounce jigs with D.O.A. paddle tails or 4” jerk baits on the bottom using either Pro-Cure or strips of mullet or pinfish as an attractant. We catch a lot of flounder jigging, but not as many bigger fish with that technique. I also like to fish the mangrove shorelines with D.O.A. paddle tail and jerk baits
rigged on VMC ¼-ounce jigheads.
If the seas stay down, the beach fishing can be good with action from sharks on topwater to mackerel, jacks, bluefish, pompano and tarpon depending on the bait situation.
CAPT. GLYN AUSTIN
Going Coastal Charters www.goingcoastalcharters.com (321) 863-8085
Nice overslot snook from the lagoon for Capt. Glyn.
Big beach tarpon for Brent.
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HOW DO HURRICANES AFFECT FISH?
By Dr. Sal Benezo
During a hurricane, fsh experience dramatic changes in their environment that can afect their behavior, habitat, and survival. As the atmospheric pressure drops with an approaching hurricane, the water pressure at diferent depths also changes. Fish have swim bladders that help regulate buoyancy, and the rapid changes in pressure can afect how they swim and maintain their depth. Some fsh may dive deeper to avoid the surface turmoil.
Hurricanes churn up sediment from the seabed, making the water murkier. Tis can reduce visibility, afecting how fsh fnd food and avoid predators. In coastal areas, this turbidity can also carry pollutants and toxins from land runof, negatively impacting the water quality.
Hurricanes generate powerful underwater currents and massive waves. Many fsh seek refuge in deeper waters, coral reefs, or underwater structures to avoid being swept away. Shallow-water fsh may struggle more to fnd shelter from the turbulence, which could lead to displacement or death.
Hurricanes ofen bring a rapid infux of fresh water from rain and runof, lowering the salinity of coastal waters. Some species, especially those adapted to certain salinity levels, may be stressed or forced to move to more stable areas. Additionally, the mixing of ocean layers can lead to changes in water temperature, which can afect fsh metabolism and spawning behaviors.
Te disturbance of the water column can disrupt oxygen levels, particularly in areas where organic matter from land washes into the ocean. Decomposing plant material can deplete oxygen in the water, creating hypoxic (low oxygen) zones, which can force fsh to fee or risk sufocation.
Fish, especially schooling species, may instinctively move to safer waters before or during a hurricane. Some species seem to sense the change in barometric pressure and migrate to deeper or more sheltered areas ahead of the storm. However, fsh that get caught in the turbulent water may end up displaced far from their usual habitat.
Afer a hurricane, habitats may be altered signifcantly. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves—essential fsh habitats—can be damaged, leading to long-term impacts on fsh populations. However, hurricanes can also bring benefts, such as replenishing nutrients and oxygen in certain water bodies, which can stimulate plankton growth and temporarily improve food availability for fsh.
Fish have evolved to withstand many natural disturbances, including hurricanes, but the intensity and frequency of storms can have lasting efects on fsh populations, particularly for those in fragile ecosystems.
FOR THE LADIES
WHY COSTA RICA IS A TOP DESTINATION FOR LADY ANGLERS
TRACY PATTERSON
Costa Rica is a renowned destination for anglers, ofering calm seas, ideal fshing conditions, and worldclass fshing. It is especially popular among female anglers due to its safety, tournaments, and supportive crews, making it an unforgettable experience.
If you’re seeking high odds of catching billfsh, Costa Rica is the place to be. On a full day ofshore, it’s common to get multiple strikes. Te fat, calm seas make it enjoyable for anglers of all levels, letting you focus on reeling in catches rather than battling rough waters.
Costa Rica hosts two ultra prestigious women-only tournaments: the Ladies Angler Tournament at Los Suenos Resort and Marina, and the Pescadora Billfsh Championship at Marina Pez Vela. Both tournaments create a supportive
yet competitive environment for anglers of all skill levels. Te Pescadora Championship is
particularly unique, ofering two Female Angler of the Year awards based on diferent fshing techniques. It encourages women to challenge themselves and grow in the sport.
Costa Rica is ranked #1 in Central America for safety, and recent laws further protect women from harassment. Female anglers can feel comfortable walking around resorts and marinas. Charter feets also adhere to strict safety regulations, ensuring peace of mind while on the water.
Whether you’re staying at a boutique hotel or a private home, Costa Rica ofers a range of accommodations for groups of all sizes. Many resorts are conveniently located near marinas, allowing easy access to fshing trips and other adventures.
Costa Rica is home to many women who support the lady angler movement. Te captains and crews are eager to teach beginners, helping them hook their frst billfsh or refne their skills. With women accounting for a growing percentage of anglers, Costa Rica ofers a welcoming and empowering environment for female anglers.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a frst-timer, Costa Rica ofers an unbeatable fshing experience. Its exceptional conditions, tournaments, safety, and camaraderie make it the top destination for lady anglers.
Cast Lures in a Mitzi Tournament 17
FALL=FLOUNDER
IBy Capt. Michael Okruhlik
t’s that thrilling time of the year, founder time! Te fall migration, reaching its peak in November along the Gulf Coast, promises an exciting infux of founder to their spawning grounds. Louisiana, following Texas, has also implemented a closed season during this peak run. But remember, the inability to keep fatties during this time doesn’t dampen the thrill of catching them.
Flounder will be migrating into the Gulf during this time, so the apparent ambush areas will be around passes that lead to the Gulf. Te founder will position themselves in diferent regions based on the tide level and current strength. In addition to using their burying-in-the-sand ambush technique, they also utilize structure in several ways.
First, any object that protrudes above the bottom is a great ambush point. Tis ofers a current break for forage fsh to gather directly above a buried founder, making for an easy meal. Objects such as bulkheads are also great ambush points. Flounder like to position themselves against the solid barrier and I think this can be for two separate reasons depending on what other factors are at play. As mentioned above, it could be a current break, especially if the bulkhead has a corrugated shape. When a founder settles against a bulkhead, its prey has less direction in which it can fee, allowing the founder greater odds of capturing it. When targeting founder, never pass up a bulkhead.
Secondly, founder can be caught using a variety of lures and live bait, especially if you keep it in contact with the bottom to increase your chances of a strike. When it comes to live bait, a frisky mullet is your best bet for landing a larger founder. If you’re aiming for a trophy, this is the way to go. Personally, I prefer fshing with lures, particularly the paddle tail style. Jerk-style sof plastics and bucktails can also be efective when worked in the same manner.
If I had to pick a tide to maximize my time on the water, I would choose a medium fow outgoing. Although there are no set rules that fsh always follow, I feel the founder feed more on their way out to the gulf, utilizing
the current to ease their journey. Contrary to the incoming tide, they bury themselves rather than fght against the current.
Don’t let the closed season discourage you from targeting founder during this migration; it will have its advantages. Going forward we will undoubtedly have a larger founder population, but the instant gratifcation will be a lot less trafc in our favorite founder spot! I will use the closed season to target a new personal best this season, as should you.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
PHOTO COURTESY
OTim Barefoot
f course, October is when it all starts, but if you like to bottom fsh, then November is the month the turbo kicks in, leading to the crescendo of the year… December. I’ve always said the week of Christmas is the apex of the grouper fshing calendar, and I’ll stand by that statement now. Tis is when larger (male) gags move inshore to establish their territory on inshore ledges, wrecks, and live bottom, much like buck deer making scrapes and rubs to mark their territory. Tese males now wait for the smaller females to show up in numbers to spawn, and the bite traditionally goes of the charts.
A small piece of hard bottom can attract large numbers of fsh if it contains the right ingredients. First and foremost, you need to locate their food. Go to the places that have traditionally held the bait—cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc. “Find the bait, fnd the fsh” has been my thought process for years. Tese fsh won’t show up to a party without food—common sense. You can anchor up on a stack of bait without seeing a big mark of fsh, but afer a few bites, you’ll notice the screen light up with more and more fsh showing up.
Anchoring up is key to shallow water grouper fshing. Te sound of fsh feeding travels great distances and doesn’t go unnoticed. Once an area is fred up, constant bites supercharge the atmosphere down there. If you’re drifing, you won’t get a specifc area fred up; you’ll only go back where you got bites. But if you anchor, the fsh come to you to join in. Tis draws the alpha predators—big sharks. Yes, you’ll lose some fsh and tackle to these bruisers, but enjoy the ride while it lasts. When sharks show up, it’s time to move on to another ledge or further down the same one.
Back to noise... Keep in mind that while we hear very little, fsh hear everything. Sound travels far underwater, and everything you do on deck—slamming cooler lids, dropping hard objects, loud music, yelling—is heard by the fsh. It could be the diference between catching smaller cows or big bulls. Large male groupers didn’t get old by being dumb. You don’t kill big bucks by being noisy, so treat your fshing with the same respect.
Te folks that target grouper come home with grouper. Te ones who go “bottom fshing” with cut bait and chicken rigs come home with “bottom fsh.” As Franklin Covey said, “begin with the end in mind.” If you’re targeting grouper, think and act like it. Put baits on the bottom that avoid trash bites. Spend time jigging up some of that “trash” and drop them back down on a Decoy Jig for optimal results. Watch some of my videos on YouTube (Tim Barefoot) for examples of what I’m saying.
For more information, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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