Cooler air, water temps prompts changes in fishing techniques

Anna Maria Island anglers are having to adjust to cooler air temperatures and especially cooler water temperatures as back-to-back cold fronts settle in over west coastal Florida.
If you’ve noticed a bite change after November 1, the fish we target are experiencing some of the coldest days we’ve seen since last winter. This doesn’t mean the fishing will remain difficult but when a dramatic change occurs, especially a drastic drop in water temps, the fish we target are going to react.
In this particular instance, as these are the first real cold fronts of the fall, the drop in temps triggers fish like snook, redfish and trout to begin their migrations back to their wintertime haunts dispersing the fish, making them difficult to locate.
And in some instances, even if they are located, they may not be as motivated to eat as they are on a mission to find warmer sanctuaries.
But this pattern won’t remain for long as a fish acclimate to the cooler temperatures and their need for nourishment takes control making them targetable once again.
We’re probably also seeing a change in techniques as cooler water temps become the norm — switching from live shiners as bait to live shrimp as bait is generally a rule of thumb as it targeting different species of fish that are more tolerant of cooler waters.
In any case, a more consistent bite is coming soon as temperatures level off, and the fish regain their bearings. Keep in mind as we fish through this transition to pack a little patience and maybe get out there and start scouting some of your cool water weather spots.
Winter is just around the corner.
On my Just Reel charters, I’m seeing some good catches of snook and redfish although consistency in the bite is slightly lackluster.
In most areas I’m finding snook to be spread out, causing many moves down a shoreline to catch a respectable number of linesiders. The snook are varying in size depending on location. Some areas are holding those fish from 18-24 inches while others hold fish of a larger nature. In any case, patience is a virtue.
The redfish are following suit as they seem to be randomly appearing while we are targeting snook. Most trout catches on the flats are on the smaller side, although I am seeing some 18-24 inches.
Targeting migratory fish like mackerel, lady fish and jack crevalle is filling the gaps by providing some great battles on medium, spinning gear and quick nonstop action.