Nature Coast fishing heating up with cooling trend

Well anglers, we have made it through Summer and have moved to Fall fishing. This week brought the first of the cold fronts. These fronts will continue to cool things down. With this cooling trend fish will be on the move and eager to feed. The change in weather has certain species migrating through this area of the Nature Coast creating some fantastic fishing.

Large schools of red fish are being found cruzing the flats North of Bayport. Most of these fish are over the 27 inch slot size, but they really can put up a fight. As with all fish, handle these reds with care. Make sure to return these bronze bombers back to the water quickly and revive them fully. We are also catching some nice slot reds near the many Northern spoil islands and mangrove shore lines. Focus on points with structure. I approach these areas as quietly as possible and look for activity like mullet moving through the area. You will see mullet jumping or creating what I like to call "nervous water". Cut mullet or pin fish under a cork and placed near structure are a great tactic. Sub surface twitch baits are also producing nice fish. Be ready for the occasional trout or snook in these areas also.

The trout bite has still been fantastic. We are catching quality trout in 2 - 8 ft of water. At times we are catching a lot of 12 - 14 inch trout all in the same area. When this happens, I often move to a different location in search of bigger trout. Gulp's worked across spotty bottom is a favorite presentation of mine, but I do enjoy working top water lures at times. Nothing beats watching trout, reds, snook, bluefish, or even jacks slam a surface walker. Bomber or Zara Spooks are great examples of productive plugs.

The mackerel are starting to invade the area. Drift fish depths of 4 - 12 ft of water. You can also anchor near structure and deploy a chum bag on a good moving tide. Target areas like North Rack or Cutters Rock. I like to throw silver spoons or place shrimp and small pin fish under a cork. Use a 2/0 long shank hook to prevent cut offs. A lite 3 - 4 inch steel leader may be added, but this can prevent strikes at times.
 
Good luck out there and tight lines!
 
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
Good luck and tight lines!

Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581