Late fall action in the open flats of the bays

Not much new to report this week. I haven't been out much due to the fog, wind and rain for most of the previous week, and it looks like we will have more of the same coming up.

There has been some good late fall/early winter action out on the open flats of the local bays. Big bluefish (by our standards), ladyfish, spanish mackerel, flounder and occasionally some pompano are available in depths of five to seven feet over good broken grass.

Bait is not necessary as all the above will readily attack a jig, spoon or small lure. Around the area canals, creeks and bayous there has been decent action with reds, black drum, sheepies and mango snapper. Live shrimp would be the primary bait to hook up around deep-water docks.

Look for docks with large boats that do not appear to be used a lot. Fresh-cut bait will work for winter reds and snook in the same locations. This manner of fishing will only get better as the weather gets colder.

When the wind allows, the Gulf reefs will be highly productive with grouper, cobia, snapper, flounder, sheepies, bluefish and some leftover spanish macks. There are lots of hogfish out there in 30 to 40 feet of water and can be taken with live shrimp or crabs.

I have gift certificates available for trips that can be taken any time of the year.

Good luck and good fishing. Be careful out there. Y'all have a wonderful Christmas!

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