The weather has finally cooled this past week with the passing of the first cool front of the season. Before the front South Florida was nourished with close to six inches of rain earlier this week. This should help the ongoing drought but dirtied the water somewhat but...the weather is calm now and the water is clearing.

Redfish are still being caught in good numbers. Last years spawn of smaller reds are abundant as well some slot (18-27”) reds and bigger are being taken. Mangrove shorelines near the passes as well as some of the deeper bays all are producing fish. As always live shiners or white bait works well but shrimp and spoons have been productive also.

Snook are still in the passes. Lately the out going tide has been best but the incoming has produced fish also. Snook are also starting to move into the backcountry. I fished some spots in the back I haven’t fished since last spring and there starting to hold fish. Been having some fun with some top water plugs early in the morning fishing points and deeper shorelines. My old favorite, the Bagleys Jumpin’ Mullet has worked.

Tarpon have been fairly thick in the passes at day break. Live mullet is the ticket and getting there before first light is almost a must. Look for the tarpon crashing baits and fish those spots. These are not babies. Average is 70-90lbs. Out going tide is the best.

Off the beaches mackeral are thick and the bonita are active also. It happens every year. The small glass minnows and mini green backs show up in huge schools and the bigger fish feed on them veraciously.

In addition, for good action there are a of of jacks, ladyfish, pompano and some trout being caught.

October and November are great months to fish and be on the water.

Give me a call if you’d like to book a trip.

Capt. Mark Ward
Everglades Guide Service
239-450-9230