Captain Adam Morley here, back with this week’s fishing report. I’ve got to start by mentioning last week’s storm—Debby Downer, as I’ve been calling it. She really stirred things up in the Matanzas River, making the conditions a bit challenging for us anglers. The rough weather has slowed down the reports coming into the shop, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t fish to be found. In fact, some of the best fishing happens when the conditions are less than ideal.
I’ve been hearing some quality reports coming out of Matanzas Inlet. The redfish and mangrove snapper bite has been solid, especially if you’re willing to put in the work. The stirred-up water is actually perfect for targeting snook. These conditions make snook a bit bolder, so now’s a great time to go after them.
For redfish, focus on the deeper channels and grass lines during the incoming tide. A live shrimp or finger mullet on a circle hook with just enough weight to keep it down will do the trick. These reds have been feeding well, so be patient and let the bait drift naturally with the current.
When it comes to snook, the key is to fish around structure—docks, bridges, and rocky shorelines are prime spots. Snook love to ambush prey from these hiding spots, especially when the water is a little murky from the storm. Live bait like pinfish or mullet are your best bet, but if you’re throwing artificials, go with a flair hawk jig or a swimbait that mimics the local baitfish. Keep your retrieve steady but slow, and be ready for a solid hit.
The mangrove snapper have been hanging around the rocks, docks, and pilings. These guys are smart and can be picky, so light tackle and small live shrimp are the way to go. Make sure to keep your bait close to the structure, as that’s where they’ll be lurking. And don’t be surprised if you pull up a keeper or two—they’ve been on fire lately.
We’re also approaching the First Quarter moon on Monday, so expect the tides to be a bit stronger. This will give you more movement in the water, which can really turn on the bite. Use this to your advantage, especially when targeting those reds and snook.
As we wrap up my report, stay tuned for what Chris from Skinny Water Lures has to say.
Captain Adam Morley
Genung’s Fish Camp and The Inlet Beach and General Store
Fishing Report from Skinny Water Lures: Post-Hurricane Debby Insights
Hey anglers! This is Chris from Skinny Water Lures bringing you this week’s fishing report. After the recent weather from Hurricane Debby, we’ve witnessed some significant tidal swings that are shaping our fishing conditions. In this report, we’ll focus on low tide patterns and how they can enhance your inshore fishing experiences.
Tide Conditions
This week, we encountered very low tide levels post-storm, which exposed muddy flats and mangrove edges. The drastic drop in water levels has concentrated baitfish, making redfish much more accessible in shallow waters.
Redfish Patterns
•Feeding Behavior: During low tide, redfish often scour shallow pools and grass flats, displaying an aggressive feeding pattern as they chase down their favorite meals: shrimp, mullet, and crabs. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to spot tailing redfish in these shallow zones.
•Locations to Target:
•Mud Flats and Potholes: Exposed flats provide ideal feeding grounds for redfish. Focus on areas with scattered grass and potholes where they can hunt.
•Near Structures: Mangroves, jetties, and rocky points serve as excellent ambush spots for redfish, so don’t forget to cast near these natural structures.
Best Techniques
•Bait Selection: Live shrimp has been the top choice this week, but cut mullet and live crabs are also turning heads. Always match your bait size to what’s naturally found in your area for the best results.
•Lures: Don’t miss out on using Skinny Water Lures’ soft plastic paddle tails and topwaters, especially in natural baitfish colors. A slow retrieve in the early mornings or just before sundown has proven effective.
Speckled Sea Trout
This week, the speckled trout fishing during low tide has been an exciting endeavor. As the tide recedes, trout have been concentrating in strategic spots, making them more accessible for targeted fishing.
•Tide Patterns: Trout often move into deeper pockets and structures (like oyster bars and submerged rocks) when the tide drops.
•Best Locations: Keep an eye out for channels, drop-offs, oyster beds, and marsh banks — these spots have yielded promising catches.
Techniques and Baits
•Lures: SWL suspending twitch baits in bright colors have been effective in the dirty water. Paddle tails on jig heads also produced well with a slow, steady retrieve.
•Topwater Action: Early mornings are perfect for topwater lures as low tide exposes more areas for trout to strike at surface baits.
•Live Bait: Live shrimp and mullet around structures yielded great success this week.
Tips for Success
1.Patience is Key: Trout can be skittish; using a lighter line and approaching areas quietly can increase your chances.
2.Timing Matters: The hour before and after low tide is often the most productive fishing time.
3.Observation: Watch for diving birds; their activity can signal nearby schools of bait and hungry trout.
Snook
Snook fishing during low tide has also shown promising results. The lower water levels concentrate these fish, making them easier targets.
•Structure and Cover: Focus on docks, mangroves, rocky shorelines, and fallen trees during low tide; snook will be hiding in the shadows waiting for prey.
•Best Feeding Times: Snook are active early in the morning and late afternoon. Overcast days may lead to extended feeding times throughout the day.
Lure and Bait Selection
•Lures: SWL topwater lures, suspending twitch baits, and paddle tails have been effective, especially in darker colors for murky water.
•Live Bait: Mullet and shrimp have been working well, as have artificial options that mimic local bait.
As you gear up and head out, remember to pay attention to depth changes, even in shallow areas, as snook may hold in slightly deeper pockets during low tide.
Tight lines and happy fishing from all of us at Skinny Water Lures!
