Capt. Adam Morley here with a report that’s a bit overdue (not much to report last week with the storm moving through) but now that the storm has passed and the water is starting to clear, albeit still with that sweet tea look from all the runoff, the fishing has been surprisingly solid. Here at Genung’s, the reports we’ve been getting are showing some great opportunities to get out on the water and hook into a variety of species, especially with fall finally setting in.
(Janine from Genung’s Fish Camp with a nice red on a solo trip)
If you’re targeting redfish around Matanzas Inlet, you’ll want to focus on the flats and deeper channels during the lower stages of the tide. The reds have been schooling up in good numbers, especially around oyster bars and drop-offs. Right now, they’re feeding aggressively, so live finger mullet, mud minnows, or shrimp under a popping cork have been working wonders. Cut bait like mullet or ladyfish on a circle hook, tossed near structure or in the deeper pockets of the inlet, can also bring in some hefty reds. As always, patience is key when working these areas, but when the bite turns on, it’s steady.
For black drum, they’re also starting to show up in the same areas, particularly near the bridge pilings and deeper channels close to the inlet. Drum love crustaceans, so your best bet is to use live or freshly dead shrimp, fiddler crabs, or blue crabs. Use a simple bottom rig with enough weight to hold in place in the current. Black drum tend to school up this time of year, so if you find one, there’s a good chance more are in the area. Don’t be afraid to scale up your tackle if you’re targeting bigger drum—they’ve got powerful runs when hooked.
As for trout, they’re starting to make a strong appearance, and the cooler weather has them becoming more active, especially during early morning and late evening. I recommend fishing in the shallower grass flats and areas where baitfish are schooling. Topwater plugs are great first thing in the morning—there’s nothing like seeing a trout explode on a lure. As the sun gets higher, switching to suspending twitch baits or soft plastics, like a DOA shrimp or paddle tail, can produce good results. Working these lures near grass edges or deeper drop-offs will put you in the right spot. And don’t forget, a popping cork with a live shrimp or soft plastic underneath can still be a deadly tactic for trout all day long.
On the surf side, with mullet still running, we’re also seeing pompano showing up in good numbers. If you’re heading to the beach, it’s worth bringing a rod or two and some sand fleas or shrimp to target these guys in the surf.
All in all, fishing right now is shaping up to be excellent. Whether you’re on the flats, in the inlet, or hitting the beach, there’s a variety of species ready to bite. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water!
