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CCA ask me to write up a small article on fall/winter time patterns for the upcoming issue. Thought I would post it here as well. FWE will have the first look.
Fall/winter time tactics
Well, once again I’m ready to put another summer season to rest! I'm ready to move on to some cooler weather and some great fall action that lies ahead. The last few mornings, while running the boat, you could just smell a change in the air. It has been awesome! Cooler weather is coming!
Looking ahead, the fall pattern is one of my favorites. There are so many options for all anglers. The bird action will be heating up, the flounder will be on the move, and the shorelines should be loaded with trout. For flounder, bayou drains and the major passes will be a good starting point. Just be aware of the new flounder regulations now in effect. Live finger mullet are deadly for these migrating flounder as well as soft plastic baits bounced along the bottom. One of my favorites is the strawberry/ white tailed 4" grub, a killer bait for flat fish. Cooling water temps will also trigger the shrimp migration to the Gulf. Look for diving gulls and terns working over schools of trout that are feeding on these shrimp. Working birds can be fast and furious and limits can be easy at times. Soft plastics, spoons, topwaters, or shrimp under a popping cork are a very effective means for catching these trout. On the shorelines, wading with topwater baits will be where it’s at for me. Nothing beats some explosive fall topwater action from aggressive trout. Keying in on slicks, bird activity, or nervous surface bait will lead you in the right direction.
The winter time patter can be tough at times, but can also be rewarding when the pattern is found. Areas such as Green Cut, North and South Deer Islands, Meacom’s Cut, and Confederate Reef are all good winter time spots. Bouncing soft plastic baits over soft mud and shell can produce some nice boxes of fish while drifting. Keying in on mud streaks (patches of off-colored water) is a good starting point. Bait and game fish use these streaks as cover. Find streaks with bait or diving birds and the odds of catching fish just went up.
When wading, try to find areas with softer bottoms and areas close to deeper water guts or channels that offer escape routes for trout and reds. Trout and reds will use the guts/channels to run from falling temps after a major front. Corkys, soft plastics, and topwaters will be my baits of choice when wading for trophy sized Trout. Remember to look for the smallest of signs! Find the signs = finding the fish!
Capt. Greg Francis
Saltwater Assault Guide Service
Fall/winter time tactics
Well, once again I’m ready to put another summer season to rest! I'm ready to move on to some cooler weather and some great fall action that lies ahead. The last few mornings, while running the boat, you could just smell a change in the air. It has been awesome! Cooler weather is coming!
Looking ahead, the fall pattern is one of my favorites. There are so many options for all anglers. The bird action will be heating up, the flounder will be on the move, and the shorelines should be loaded with trout. For flounder, bayou drains and the major passes will be a good starting point. Just be aware of the new flounder regulations now in effect. Live finger mullet are deadly for these migrating flounder as well as soft plastic baits bounced along the bottom. One of my favorites is the strawberry/ white tailed 4" grub, a killer bait for flat fish. Cooling water temps will also trigger the shrimp migration to the Gulf. Look for diving gulls and terns working over schools of trout that are feeding on these shrimp. Working birds can be fast and furious and limits can be easy at times. Soft plastics, spoons, topwaters, or shrimp under a popping cork are a very effective means for catching these trout. On the shorelines, wading with topwater baits will be where it’s at for me. Nothing beats some explosive fall topwater action from aggressive trout. Keying in on slicks, bird activity, or nervous surface bait will lead you in the right direction.
The winter time patter can be tough at times, but can also be rewarding when the pattern is found. Areas such as Green Cut, North and South Deer Islands, Meacom’s Cut, and Confederate Reef are all good winter time spots. Bouncing soft plastic baits over soft mud and shell can produce some nice boxes of fish while drifting. Keying in on mud streaks (patches of off-colored water) is a good starting point. Bait and game fish use these streaks as cover. Find streaks with bait or diving birds and the odds of catching fish just went up.
When wading, try to find areas with softer bottoms and areas close to deeper water guts or channels that offer escape routes for trout and reds. Trout and reds will use the guts/channels to run from falling temps after a major front. Corkys, soft plastics, and topwaters will be my baits of choice when wading for trophy sized Trout. Remember to look for the smallest of signs! Find the signs = finding the fish!
Capt. Greg Francis
Saltwater Assault Guide Service
LIVIN THE SALT LIFE 
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