September exits and October rolls in. The final week of September was exceptional. Great action in the kayaks for a wide variety of species: Spanish mackerel, flounder, trout, redfish, bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, pompano, huge black drum and even a cobia. Cobia: Accidental catch at the bridges, there are decent numbers and if you keep your eyes peeled, you may actually see where they are, tipping you off on where to make a cast. Black drum: Same technique as pompano fishing but jig it slower.
Instructional kayak clients made great strides in becoming better kayak anglers. We had a great fishing plans and results. We battled some sulking fish some of the time but we stayed at it to make our way to some good action every time out.
Pompano action is very good. But not in their normal locations. Yellow Silly Willy with a pink teaser is the ticket. Just as it usually is: This combination in contact with the bottom is going to result in a fun battle with one of the tastiest fish we have in the Gulf. It has been pretty easy and the fish are a great size this year. Making adjustments, some days they want the lure jigged slower. It has been routine to catch ten or more in a morning. The bite has been best right at sunrise.
Trout action continues to be steady. As soon as we have a significant drop in air and water temperatures. It is pretty easy to get into a strong bite with trout right now but the action for really big fish is going to get very easy with the change of seasons. Don’t ignore the opportunity with topwater lures. Deeper water, throw them the 12 Fathom SlamR.
Flounder: A little better but still, not a great year for them overall. They are decent size and the red tide staying away, we should have a preserved future on this recovered species. The flounder pictured, 23 inches (Les Taylor). Same thing as trout, throw them the SlamR.
Redfish: Better and will be fantastic for the Fall and into Winter. They are very sensitive to noise making the kayak the very best way of approach. They are still “head up” feeding so inexact technique is still working. I teach the skills to catch the species when they are feeding “head down.” Head down means they are eating shrimp and crabs. A perk of a Strike Three Kayak Fishing instructional charter, my former clients are enjoying the action right now and eager to adjust when they need to. That change is coming soon. Exit the baitfish, “head down feeding” again. Best bait: 12 Fathom “Mullet.”
The time is right: If you took the summer off because of the heat, not only is the heat subsiding, the fishing is absolutely terrific. If you need some help learning the game: Kayak fishing charters are instructional and fun!
Kayak Fishing Skool is Thursday October 27 at Bill Jackson’s in Pinellas Park (6:30 to 7:45PM) and the topic is “Fishing the Winter Months.” Bring a friend and enjoy the free raffle at the end of the session. This is the final session of Bill Jackson’s “Skool” in 2016. Skool will resume again in January.
As always, be careful out there.
Neil Taylor
Owner and guide: www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345 LivelyBaits@aol.com
Owner and site administrator: www.capmel.com
Co-host: Outdoor Fishing Adventures, 8 to 9AM Sundays on 1040 “The Team” Radio
Poachers are common thieves. See a poacher, report a poacher!
If you suspect a wildlife or boating law violation, report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Reward Program: 888-404-FWCC (3922).
Cell phone users can reach us at *FWC or #FWC, depending on your service provider.
Most cell phones allow users to send text messages directly to an email address. You can text Tip@MyFWC.com ; standard usage fees may apply.
Supply as much detailed information such as the location of the offender, the boat description, number of people on board, clothing, vehicle information and give the dispatcher your phone number. Do this discreetly. You do not want to have direct contact with these people.
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
