Fall has arrived

This past week has brought some cooler winds from the North. A high pressure system settled over this area of the Nature coast for most of last week which has cooled the water temperature down in the gulf. Fall weather means anglers will have to deal with the wind and a cooling trend as we approach winter. Knowing this, be ready to adjust your tactics accordingly. The back country fishing was affected last week due to this mild cooling. The trout seemed to still be on the move and feeding, but the red fish bite slowed dramaticly. Prior to last week, we were seeing and catching good numbers of reds. As soon as this high pressure system brought this cool air and clear "blue bird" skies the reds were much more difficult to locate. It usually takes a few days for the fish that make their home in these skinny waters to adjust and start feeding again. The fishing in 3 - 5 ft. of water was good last week and should continue that way. Big trout, spanish mackerel, cobia, blue fish, and lady fish are all giving anglers a fight from Hernando Beach to the Pine Island area. There is a good amount of white bait in the area. Chum these guys up and throw the cast net. Free line these baits or place them under a cork. If you prefer artificial lures then use anything that resembles the bait. A Rapala Twitch N' Rap or the Mirrodines by Mirrolure are great options. The offshore fishing should really heat up over the next month. This cooling trend combined with the deployment of the stone crab traps will have grouper moving in. Start checking those shallow water rock piles that litter our area. Good luck out there and tight lines! Capt. Keith Tomlinson Bulldog Fishin Charters www.bulldogfishin.com (352)238-3581 Now on FACEBOOK