Took some much needed time off and got to do what I love to do, fish! There's nothing better than getting a chance to explore our Bay area waters alone and without any distractions. That's what I like to call serious fishing.

On to my journey I decided on the Alafia because this is an area that holds a mixed variety of fish in the fall. At any given time a Tarpon can be seen rolling, a Redfish tail may slice the calm surface like a knife, even Spanish Macks have been known to force baitfish to fly out of the water as they attack from below giving anglers a sure clue of their whereabouts. You never know what you'll see as you paddle up or down the river so be prepared at all times with an offering to toss at feeding fish.

Near the mouth of the river and any of the deeper cuts on either point, big schools of Jack Crevalle have made a showing. Topwaters such as Top Pup attracted the bigger fish up to 6lbs. D.O.A. Shrimp in gold glitter and live medium shrimp on a 1/0 circle hook also were highly affective.

As the tide begins to drop hungry Snook and Redfish stick tight to structure on the up current side waiting for baitfish to pass by. Nothing like an easy meal!  Both species were caught using the same set up, C.A.L. paddletail in rootbeer/gold glitter rigged on a white D.O.A. 1/8th oz. jighead.

Snook seemed to be the hot bite of the day. All Snook were released carefully and all data was reported to the Snook Foundation. All fish were beautiful and ranged from 18'-26".

Redfish seemed to be a little shyer. Constant noise from a nearby jet skier may have been the cause. I managed to get 2 up to 22" holding just in front of the mangroves near an oyster bed.

Trout were found hanging in shallower water this week. Best bite was in 3'-5'. Look for thick, healthy grass with plenty of clean, moving water. Around this time the Trout run a little smaller but once located it'll be non-stop action. Capt. Billy Turney of Slot Limit Radio and Bites on Charters, fished the Upper bay and boated over 200! Any soft plastic will do but a D.O.A. Deadly Combo is a local favorite.

So get out before it gets too cold and take advantage of this stellar fishing we're having. Excellent time to practice your artificial lure techniques and land that slob you can brag to all your buddies about. Just remember to be safe and tight lines.

Phatfish Kayak Charters

Derick Burgos

813-447-4732

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