Report: Coastal - We have had unusually cold weather for our area this time of year, along with bouts of snotty conditions and winds ranging from 15-35 mph. When conditions have been better for the paddle-fisher, the bite has been hot, especially Speckled Trout. This fall has been a phenomenal year, one of the best in memory, for Specks in the 4-11 lbs. range. ICW surface temps have been in the upper 30’s, peaking in the low 40’s by mid-day. In the surf temps have been holding in the upper 40’s where schools of Red Drum can be found by the thousands. Hopefully with these cold temps we’ll see Ocean Stripers come further South than Hatteras this year. Water clarity is at it’s highest now so you may want to try less flashy, slower action baits, that tend to less spooky to up your catch.