INSHORE JAN. 2006

With the warming trend we found ourselves having an opportunity to fish and add catching to our list. Trout were a bit more active this past week due to the fact that the water temperature of 51 soared to 54 degrees, which triggers “fish movement.” When the cold-water temperature takes a warming trend trout as well as any other hibernating fish “come alive.” When they go into this movement stage they as well as us don’t know how long this warming event is going to last. So therefore their feeding has to be quick and substantial. I also received a report of surface schooling peanut menhaden in the river and sound area. Once Captain Brian saw them he grabbed the old cast net and gave it a whirl. To his amazement he caught a baker’s dozen in one cast. (In the menhaden and baker’s world this count would be 13.) They’re a rule of thumb when it comes to catching menhaden with your cast net. If you see one fish flip, the bunk of the menhaden school should be right below. In other words throw your cast net here. Normally diving pelican will be in the area. However, during the cooler times of the year when schooling bait fish don’t stay on the surface long your feathered friends might not catch the limited showing. So therefore when you have a temperature change keep your eyes wide open!

Menhaden makes great bait for red fish and large trout. I suggest using them whole and cut (parts/pieces). During this movement time fish are just as likely hit bait deep as they are when it’s shallow. I suggest putting bait on the bottom and also under a float suspended at your desired select depth. This is bait that has a lot to offer. It has that scent that attracts all fish!

For those that just want to “go artificial” I suggest this would be the time to get the best results. As I said earlier, “a warming trend means movement.” Trout are born killers, which means they want to kill what they want to eat. With that being said to accomplish this goal a trout has to see what it attacking. Now normally when we have a warming we do get some clear water times with it. I suggest looking more toward the incoming tide to deliver this than the out going. However, fish all and any tide stages that you can especially during this warming trend.

This would be a great time to try out your ultra light tackle with the ¼ ounce jig head. The secret to this style of fishing is that the 6-pound line is hard to see, which means that the artificial bait that you have attached is going to look “very life like.” I suggest still working the bottom with this lure especially in the holes, ledges, and any drop offs. Your best bet is to cast and let it fall to the bottom. Hopefully on your first drop it will hit the fish in the head, which surely will get some attention. However, if not, I suggest do what is called “bouncing your bait in place.”

Another good fish to target during the warming trend time is going to be “red Fish.” Although they don’t need a warming trend to school up on the flats and oyster bars especially at this time of year. However, it certainly does put them in a better feeding mood. Red fish during this time has a lot going on. They have to hunt and feed for survival, which at best is “slim pickings.” Not only that but not only do that feed on, but also they are fed upon. Now that there isn’t much bait availability the red fish becomes the main diet of the porpoises.

Here’s my take on this situation, which boils down to really getting inside the fish’s head especially when it comes to plan old survival! On the last of the out going tide when the water has almost left the safety of the oyster bars and flats the red fish has to make a move departing its so-called safe haven. This should be about the most nervous time for this fish, which is trying to survive the attack of the hungry porpoises. Their main goal at this point is to school up so as to look big so as to ward off the bigger mammal feeding. During this time the bite pattern for red fish is shaky at best. This is why when you see schools of these fish, cast your lure, and “get no-takers takes place.” It’s has been said for many years that the spots on a red fish’s tail hopefully lures the predator to their tail first giving them a better chance to getaway. With all of this being said, I suggest watching the movement of the red fish until the tide changes. This all boils down to once the fish get back to the safe haven the bite will be on!