The long-awaited cold front is knocking on the door as I write this report. The heat wave of the past couple weeks did not do much for the overall action in these parts.
In fact, things were downright tough. If the front lives up to its advance billing it should start the cooling trend with water temperatures that really kickstart the fall fishing bonanza.
A trip out to the reefs at midweek was not exactly a banner day but some really nice fat mangrove snapper, spanish mackerel, red and gag grouper, and a pair of the largest flounder I have seen in some time came aboard. White bait and smallish pinnies did the trick in around 30 feet of hardbottom.
An oversized barracuda inhaled a mangrove snapper at boatside and provided a momentary thrill. The cobia and kings we were seeking were just not evident in the areas we fished, but that action should get under way big time a couple of days after the passage of the front.
Trout fishing has been pretty good for those willing to get out really early or late in the day. Bait is not necessary for good results, with the specks as small topwater lures, and soft-bodied jigs will work just fine. Ditto for all the trout groupies on the grass like ladyfish, bluefish, jacks, etc. The cooling trend will go far to extend the trout bite into midday as long as there is good tidal flow and also bring on some pompano action. Remember that trout go out of season locally for two months beginning Nov. 1.
A few snook and reds were encountered but until now they have been relatively scattered and not exactly going ballistic. Again, that situation will be on the upswing with cooler weather triggering inshore appetites.
For those looking for a fish fry, mangrove snapper continue real strong, as they have been all summer, and should still be available for at least another month until some migrate offshore and others head to deeper, highly structured areas in the backwater for the winter.
Good luck and good fishing. Be careful out there!
Capt. "Zach" Zacharias
(941) 795-5026
E-mail: zachap@aol.com
Docked on Palma Sola Bay at Parrot Cove Marina/Sunny Shores
115th Street West and 36th Avenue, Cortez, FL 34215