One very successful trout angler I know uses two types of Mirrolures. The first is a surface lure in which is numbered 5M 18. This lure weighs 1/2 ounce and has two counter rotating spinners with three treble hooks which cause a surface commotion that big trout can not resist. The motion used after a cast is to make a little splash then let it sit for a moment and then repeat over and over throughout the duration while retrieving. While there are many varieties and colors this one has a green back, silver scales and white belly. Keep in mind that most shallow water bait fish have a white belly and a green or black back. However, through experience I have found that speckled trout do like bizarre colors as well. If I could pick only two colors I would choose one that my Father had proven which is both the 5M and 7M(the latter being without spinners) in the colors FT for Fire Tiger and 750 for Black Back, Fluorescent Orange Belly and a Fluorescent Flame Chartreuse side. Locally we name the 5M750 the "Pop" lure after my Dad. This lure is murder on big trout fishing around kelp grass beds. This will be the lure of choice for November top water action around Homosassa. Another tip which is hard to master while using the top water lures is to wait until you feel the fish on your line before pulling back to set the hook. Many times I have seen anglers pull the lure out of the strike zone. It is amusing to watch and most of us have committed the sin.

The second type of Mirrolure is harder to master and requires some touch. This style is known as a twitch bait. Of this type, their are several that have proven time and time again, as producer of big trout. The one my friend likes the best is the 52M18. This lure is 3 5/8 inches long, weighs 1/2 ounce donned with three treble hooks and runs in a depth from 3-8 feet. The life-like appearance of these lures with built in flash when twitched makes the lure look very similar to our bait fish. Also the 3-D red eyes gives the trout a mark to hone in on for the kill. Casting in shallow water near some grassy bottoms using short twitches is the way to work this lure. I prefer using the 51MR18 which runs even shallower and has rattlers installed. Once in a while I will switch to even a smaller Mirrolure numbered 38MR18 that is 3 inches long with rattlers and two smaller treble hooks. The 28MR18 is a floater that will fish very skinny water that I use when the bay is calm.

The last but not least of the twitch baits that are very popular along the Nature Coast are the TT23, TT11, TT18 and TT28. These are tiny trout versions and are fish best in depths from 4-10 feet of water. This lure also is the same size as the 5M and 52 . I should give you some idea of how to identify the numeral code of Mirrolures when it comes to color. The last two numeral descriptions after "TT" refers to color with 23 being black back, gold scale and yellow belly. This lure works great in holes in creeks where trout have been pushed in from a cold front and thus lower water temperatures. The 28 has a red back, gold scales and yellow belly and is the classic lure used in the Suwannee and Steinihatchee Rivers during the colder months. The number 11 has a red head, white back and belly and silver sides. This lure is very productive on windy and cloudy days with less than clear water visibility. The 18 has a green back, silver scale and white belly. This lure color works great in clear to cloudy water situations and is very popular among both guides and anglers alike. All of the TT lures have little black spots on their sides in which distinctly identifies this lure type.

While fishing out of MacRae's recently Gator came out to the dock before a charter and gave me a new style of Mirrolure to try called Top Dog. It is a big lure that weighs 3/4 of an ounce and measures 4 3/4 inches long. It will cast as far as you want to sling it. While offered in 32 colors, this particular one is numbered 94MR24 which has a blue back, silver scales and white belly. While out trout fishing today(October 17) with an enthusiastic angler who could at least cast, I decided to tie this lure on because school after school of jacks were passing us by at mach speed. The fish were ignoring our jig rigs. Guess what happen? The first cast my client made, he started working the lure back at a fast pace as instructed. Knowing that he was no where near the jacks that passed us by, within seconds a big trout crashed the large lure. The thrilled angler reeled in the fish and I threw him in the fish box. Another cast revealed the same results. We boated 11 big trout in under an hour with as many strikes missed which is half the fun. I think that the lure made this novice a happy camper because when worked it flashes, rattles, dances and most of all produces fish. The lure imitates and transmit a frequency from the large rattle a wounded minnow vibration that fish find irresistible to resist. Just keep in mind that the lure is a surface walker and requires constant repeated twitching throughout the retrieve. This lure may well surpass the expectations of the famed 5M 750 "Pop" lure. If these numbers of the Mirrolures have got you confused, you can write or
call me and I will send you a free catolog describing every model the company makes

For inshore speckled trout and other game fish, try some of these lures and techniques and you will surely come home with a nice mess of fish. Best days to catch trout for November will be just ahead of a cold front as the barometer drops these fish automatically know that their dinner bell has rang and will accommodate your offering.If you are too busy to fish you are too busy.

Good luck and good fishing,

Capt. Mike Locklear