Fall Run Begins

Greetings, Its late summer but the fishing tells me its actually early fall. Baits like Blue Runners have started showing up and a Kingfish, Tarpon, cobia, and Spanish mackerel are here. Not in the big numbers like next month but certainly in big enough numbers to target. Lots of rain has kept us guessing on what we will do each day. I have been rigging and planning for everything from fishing the beach to working artifical reefs and wrecks. The good news is that we have been productive at them all. Near shore (Beach to five miles), the beaches and passes have been showing Tarpon of all sizes, Spanish Mackerel, Jacks, and Snook. Also some of the larger bait schools have Kingfish to twenty pounds with them. Of course live baits work well but plugs like Rapala X-Rap Slash baits are great casting and produce well. I like the Glass Gost, Silver, Sardine and Blue Mackerel color. When I use the little four inch size to match Glass Minnow and other smaller baits I change the hooks to singles for a better hook up on big fish. Further out on the artifical reefs and wrecks it has been very productive for a variety of species. Migrating bait schools are being stalked by Spanish mackerel and Kingfish. Permit although unpredictable as to location are still in the area near structure. Wreck fishing is the variety of life right now. Work the water column and chum. Snapper, Cobia, Permit, Cuda, Goliath all will come to play. Have and watch the weather. Sincerely, Capt. Rick