By Capt. Ric Liles
Fishing Columnist
You might recall me stating that I was ready for some cooler weather in last week’s column, and would probably be satisfied with it until sometime in February.
I have never been so wrong.
I have already had enough and want for those hot, steamy days back. Last weekend’s front was enough for me.
On one chilly day, I had two anglers on the boat from Minnesota who were amused at my lack of resistance to the cold. Let me tell you, anything under 60 degrees is too brisk and I’m not ashamed to say I’m not tough enough to live up north. The way I see it is if God wanted me to live in those conditions he would have given me fur.
The weather made fishing a little uncomfortable and slowed the bite a tad, but we caught fish on every outing. The day before the front, the fish gorged as they always do.
I fished that day, networking closely with Capt. Lee Blick to keep redfish bouncing back and forth between boats. It worked out well, as we took turns chumming the fish with sardines, keeping them happy and not needing to go elsewhere for food.
One good thing to keep in mind is that two or three boats can manage a school of redfish better than one when the execution is right. Move the boat slow with a trolling motor or push pole, and be as quiet as possible. As cooler temperatures arrive water clarity increases, making a stealthy approach even more important.
It’s not all doom and gloom with the weather. The water tempeeratures dropped down into the mid-70s, and that is fantastic for our fish. The front has passed and the temperatures are lower than they were causing the bite to get back on track.
I did a fun trip with my friends, Capt. Brady Nelson and Matt Smaby, one afternoon. We had our best bite at dusk after the winds calmed.
We are on the brink of some really good fishing. The next several weeks should be really good for snook, giving us plenty of time to catch that keeper before the season closes Dec. 1. The grouper diggers should start to get excited, knowing it’s only a matter of time until that bite explodes. I know I’m ready for a fresh grouper sandwich.
Until next time, good luck and be safe on the water. Remember: don’t let your kids be the ones that got away, take them fishing.
