Well, it sure has been an interesting few weeks! With things starting to get back to normal after the storm, the fishing seems to be getting back as well. The cobia reports have been steadily flowing in. Some fish around the 40-50lb range and some smaller. The cobia are being reported in the bay but primarily in the nearshore gulf, up to 80 mi out. Different baits are being used but it seems that pinfish are going to be your best bet and easiest to come by. Cobia will takee artificials as well as flies pretty willingly for the most part. Some can be finicky though. Tripletail are being reported as well, most being under keeper size but we have heard of a few larger fish being caught. Live shrimp are best but a nice white shrimp fly can be productive as well. Some are even known to eat a half of a pilchard. venturing further out into the Gulf, we have had reports this week of African pompano and mutton snapper in as close as 25 mi. The yellowtail snapper bite has been good as well a little further than that and Red snappers have been pretty plentiful around 65mi. Keep those regulations in mind if targeting the ARS, as it is weekends/ recreational only for that opening. Mangrove snappers have been pretty abundant and the mackerel have started moving in nicely as well. A couple ‘smoker’ kings were reported earlier this week which is right on que. Keep your eyes out for birds and bait!! Frigate birds are some of the best hunters out there and can spot and track a pelagic fish like no other. Learn to trust them. Redfish schools havent quite regrouped yet the way they were just before the storm, but I believe that is just a matter of time and consistency. It seems that the big snook have already starting moving into the canals and back country with the water cooling off so quickly. You’ll still have a shot at them though before it gets too chilly! Several reports of pompano on the beach these last few days so now is the time to get out! We do offer frozen sand fleas as well as shovels to catch them yourself. We hope everyone got through the storm safely and we are back to normal hours of operation. As always, stop in and check us out. We are always here for your questions. Good Luck and Tight Lines!
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