Elon’s Thanksgiving Redfish: A Family Memory on the Water
Thanksgiving in the Morley household has always been about family, gratitude, and good food—and this year, it also included a fishing story we won’t soon forget. After sharing a hearty Thanksgiving meal with the family, my son Elon and his mom, Janine, decided to take their canoe out from Genung’s Fish Camp to chase some redfish in the back creeks of the Matanzas River.
With the cooler weather settling in, the creeks have been prime spots for finding redfish schools basking in the sun’s warm rays. Armed with live shrimp and a lot of determination, Elon and Janine paddled deep into a quiet creek, where the calm water mirrored the fiery hues of the late afternoon sky.
It didn’t take long for their patience to pay off. As they worked the edges of the creek, Elon’s rod bent sharply, and his excitement filled the air. After a spirited fight, he brought a beautiful Thanksgiving redfish to the canoe—a fish that easily rivaled the turkey in terms of bragging rights. Watching him beam with pride over his catch was a moment that reminded us why we love fishing. It’s about more than just the fish; it’s about the memories, the connection with nature, and the thrill of a great story to tell around the table.
Fishing Report: Inshore Action Heating Up
The cooler weather has kicked the inshore bite into gear, making it a fantastic time to get out on the water in the Matanzas River. Trout, black drum, and sheepshead are all biting, and there are plenty of ways to target these popular species.
- Trout: Look for speckled trout along grassy edges and deeper drop-offs. Soft plastics like paddle tails or jerkbaits in natural colors are great options, but live shrimp under a popping cork remains a classic and effective technique.
- Black Drum: These bottom-feeders are hanging around bridge pilings, docks, and deeper creek bends. Fresh shrimp or chunks of crab are the go-to baits, and a medium-weight spinning setup will handle most drum you’ll encounter.
- Sheepshead: Known for their nibbling finesse, sheepshead are hanging around structure like oyster beds, pilings, and rocky areas. Fiddler crabs and shrimp are excellent baits, but make sure to keep a sharp eye on your line—setting the hook quickly is the key to landing these “convict fish.”
Surf Report: Calm Waters and a Slow Pompano Bite
Out on the beach, the ocean has been flat calm recently, and while that makes for a peaceful day of surf fishing, it has slowed the pompano bite. Without the wave action to stir up sand and uncover food, the pompano aren’t feeding as aggressively. For those still looking to give it a shot, using sand fleas or Fishbites on a double-drop rig is your best bet. Whiting and the occasional bluefish are still being caught, so there’s always the chance for some action.
Whether you’re fishing inshore or from the surf, the holiday season is a perfect time to create your own fishing memories, just like Elon’s Thanksgiving redfish. Tight lines and happy fishing!
