November Fishing in the 10,000 Islands

FOLLOW THE FISH
Capt. Pete Rapps
CaptainRapps@gmail.com

Finally our first true Fall month is here! November is one of my absolute favorite months here in the Ten Thousand Islands and the reasons are numerous. I could go on forever describing them, but some of the highlights are…. 1) Mild weather patterns with little rain and light winds, 2) Fish are actively following and feeding on the huge bait pods just off the coastal beaches, 3) Daytime temperatures are comfortably hovering in the high 70’s to low 80’s, 4) Migratory birds are actively arriving for the winter……. and the list goes on!

The change of seasons will begin to affect our tides tremendously. Be sure to check the tide charts and watch out for those extreme negative lows we

will have around the full moon and new moon. A low tide of -.04 with a NE wind will drain the bays and certainly could ruin your day if you did not anticipate it and plan around it. If you are out on the water, use these low tides to educate yourself as to where those shallow oyster bars and deep pockets lay.

The near coastal areas will be chock full of Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Jacks, Ladyfish, and other energized fast swimming species. Look for the flocks of birds feeding on the scraps of an underwater frenzy. Send out any bucktail type jig, about ¼ – 3/8 oz, tipped with a small piece of shrimp for immediate action.

Around the Islands, look for tailing Redfish on the

incoming tide that are poking around the oyster bars or underwater grass reeds. Use a D.O.A. Deadly Combo Root beer Shrimp and Berkley GULP shrimp to get their attention. If you have live shrimp, send one out either free lined or under a popping cork. Pop that cork often…. It’s like ringing the dinner bell.

Stock up on D.O.A. Baitbusters and Terror Eyz and head backwater to battle with the Snook as they head way back in the creeks and rivers for the winter season. As the tide is outgoing, fish the eddy side of the points. For some fantastic action, throw them a handful of live pilchards followed by one on a circle hook. Hang on!

Need some lessons? Book a charter and we’ll show you how it’s done!

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