After a week of not chamber of commerce weather, I’m like the rest of us anglers ready to get past the river and backcountry. On calm seas this time of year I like to head out north west of the St.. Martins Keys to the Bombing Range. Around the time change is when this rocky area will have trout, spanish mackerel, sea bass, flounder, blue fish, lady fish, jacks and small grouper. The fishing is generally good with moving water and long drifts casting soft plastics ahead of the boat is the best way to catch then. I like a 1/8th oz. jig head with a MirrOlure LIL John in bourbon or watermelon red flake. The LIL John is a very durable bait and that will come in handy when so many different fish are hitting. On a flats drift the best way to fish it with other boats is to start at the back of the fleet what ever way the wind or tide is pushing them. When your out of the bite zone then crank up and swing wide around the fleet to start another drift. I try my best also to stay away from anglers so not to shut down their bite with my motor. I experienced a few “muds” over the years in this are and to the south in Chassahowitzka . A mud will occur when there is a shrimp hatch and the fish will muddy the bottom eating them. When I was younger we would use Loves Lures tandem jig and two different fish on one line. The tide will drag the discolored water so take a second and determine the darkest area of the water to start casting. High incoming tide will be late afternoon this weekend.
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