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Mansfield Report: November 2013
Happy to report all is still well in paradise. The first cool fronts of the season have passed through and all wildlife is sensing the brisker days ahead. November traditionally is a month of feasting, and there is a logical reason for being so.
Gamefish, like all wildlife, instinctively sense that Ol' Man Winter is on his way and they will take advantage of the bountiful supply of crustaceans and small finfish the late fall season offers. Epic feeding frenzies will become common throughout the month of November, some lasting hours at a time.
Over the past several weeks redfish have certainly been the stars of the Laguna. We have not yet, as of this writing, witnessed the large schools of the past but, have had plenty of opportunity on the flooded sand flats and shorelines where encounters with pods, pairs and scattered singles have kept things lively.
Water levels are currently well above the summertime average and should remain fairly consistent through the month, except when the cold fronts make their way to the coast and push water out of certain areas and pile it into others. The same goes with strong southerly winds preceding cool fronts; anglers will need to adjust accordingly.
We basically should see a repeat of last month's patterns with a few more blows in the mix. The sand on the east side continues to be a lot of fun at first light and, while most of the reds have been just slot fish with only occasional bruisers, there is no denying the ferocity of topwater crashes these feisty critters have given us.
What's equally exciting is that the big trout are still inhabiting the same water, and those that are willing to enjoy the redfish have been heavily rewarded. We typically see many fish in the extreme shallows in November and on low wind days they can be very spooky. Quiet wades and long casts will be needed. So, you folks coming down with half spools of line on your reels will have a hard time making the casts you need, especially when throwing lighter offerings.
November should also give us even more sight casting opportunities for both trout and reds and, during blows, working birds and tailing fish should be abundant. Can't tell you how many times in seasons past, in conditions most people would call unfishable, we went anyway. This is when heavily grassed backwater areas really pay off. All of the little baitfish and shrimp are being pushed and hanging on for dear life in every little grassbed, and the redfish and trout will be having a field day.
Another focus later in the month will be trout beginning to stage close to winter lairs, and we will certainly look for areas that allow deep water access to shallow night-feeding zones. Little swales and guts that lead to flats can be highly productive, and bottoms will vary from hard and sandy to softer grassy areas. So be willing to explore, keep an eye on your bait, birds, wind, and temperatures I know that's what I will be doing.
I will be using a lot of soft plastics; Kelly Wigglers ball tail shads and paddle tails rigged on their awesome 2/0 size -1/8 ounce jigheads will continue to be in my arsenal. Colors will vary; Smoke and Mirrors and Sand in clearer water, Carolina Pumpkinseed, Electric Grape with chartreuse belly, and Midnight Flake in off-color stuff. Already, full size topwaters are working their magic and my favorite green/chrome and speckled trout pattern Skitter Walks should be getting a lot of abuse in the coming days. And of course a lure that needs no introduction, the MirrOlure PBO Fat Boy, will come into play. Another MirrOlure product that is fun as well as productive in early winter is the MirrOdine suspending twitchbait in pearl with either green or black back.
During this time of "Thanks" I want to sincerely thank all of you for the continued bookings and support over the years!
Tricia's Tips
1. Tough days can be saved with 1/4 ounce weedless gold spoons.
2. Have your outboard serviced; winter is no time to be stranded.
3. Christmas is coming, time to give hints – like fishing trips!
4. If you are hunting rather than fishing this winter, have your reels serviced so you don't show up in the spring with a piece of junk.
Gamefish, like all wildlife, instinctively sense that Ol' Man Winter is on his way and they will take advantage of the bountiful supply of crustaceans and small finfish the late fall season offers. Epic feeding frenzies will become common throughout the month of November, some lasting hours at a time.
Over the past several weeks redfish have certainly been the stars of the Laguna. We have not yet, as of this writing, witnessed the large schools of the past but, have had plenty of opportunity on the flooded sand flats and shorelines where encounters with pods, pairs and scattered singles have kept things lively.
Water levels are currently well above the summertime average and should remain fairly consistent through the month, except when the cold fronts make their way to the coast and push water out of certain areas and pile it into others. The same goes with strong southerly winds preceding cool fronts; anglers will need to adjust accordingly.
We basically should see a repeat of last month's patterns with a few more blows in the mix. The sand on the east side continues to be a lot of fun at first light and, while most of the reds have been just slot fish with only occasional bruisers, there is no denying the ferocity of topwater crashes these feisty critters have given us.
What's equally exciting is that the big trout are still inhabiting the same water, and those that are willing to enjoy the redfish have been heavily rewarded. We typically see many fish in the extreme shallows in November and on low wind days they can be very spooky. Quiet wades and long casts will be needed. So, you folks coming down with half spools of line on your reels will have a hard time making the casts you need, especially when throwing lighter offerings.
November should also give us even more sight casting opportunities for both trout and reds and, during blows, working birds and tailing fish should be abundant. Can't tell you how many times in seasons past, in conditions most people would call unfishable, we went anyway. This is when heavily grassed backwater areas really pay off. All of the little baitfish and shrimp are being pushed and hanging on for dear life in every little grassbed, and the redfish and trout will be having a field day.
Another focus later in the month will be trout beginning to stage close to winter lairs, and we will certainly look for areas that allow deep water access to shallow night-feeding zones. Little swales and guts that lead to flats can be highly productive, and bottoms will vary from hard and sandy to softer grassy areas. So be willing to explore, keep an eye on your bait, birds, wind, and temperatures I know that's what I will be doing.
I will be using a lot of soft plastics; Kelly Wigglers ball tail shads and paddle tails rigged on their awesome 2/0 size -1/8 ounce jigheads will continue to be in my arsenal. Colors will vary; Smoke and Mirrors and Sand in clearer water, Carolina Pumpkinseed, Electric Grape with chartreuse belly, and Midnight Flake in off-color stuff. Already, full size topwaters are working their magic and my favorite green/chrome and speckled trout pattern Skitter Walks should be getting a lot of abuse in the coming days. And of course a lure that needs no introduction, the MirrOlure PBO Fat Boy, will come into play. Another MirrOlure product that is fun as well as productive in early winter is the MirrOdine suspending twitchbait in pearl with either green or black back.
During this time of "Thanks" I want to sincerely thank all of you for the continued bookings and support over the years!
Tricia's Tips
1. Tough days can be saved with 1/4 ounce weedless gold spoons.
2. Have your outboard serviced; winter is no time to be stranded.
3. Christmas is coming, time to give hints – like fishing trips!
4. If you are hunting rather than fishing this winter, have your reels serviced so you don't show up in the spring with a piece of junk.