Mansfield Report: October 2019

Greetings from Port Mansfield! We are so excited to see fall weather in the near-term forecast. Northerly breezes are probably still a few weeks away but already we’re noticing improved angler attitudes – reduced boat traffic definitely helps in that department. I’m also happy to report that fishing (catching) is still on an uptick. Reds are beginning to school, trout are more abundant on the flats, flounder are being taken, and snook are available for those willing to put in the time. 

I want to briefly mention my annual Chandeleur Island fishing trip aboard Capt. Dennis Marshall’s mothership – Backdraft. Dennis is a retired firefighter, hence the name of his boat. This is always a fun trip and those who have been or heard about the Chandeleurs immediately think of two things – catching tons of fish and sharks. Both are accurate. Our group of 10 anglers always put a tournament together, but not your typical fishing contest. One trout per day closest to twenty-one inches, (but not over), wins top prize. Pretty cool format and certainly challenging. Additionally, 5 of our 10 anglers elected to keep no fish, other than that one trout. The others aboard kept a few for a fish fry but by no means a meat haul. The message here is simple – if you practice conservation in your home waters you should likewise fish conservatively in your neighbor’s water. Putting it simply; conservation has no boundaries 

Meanwhile, back here in Port, we can expect fishing to get better in the coming weeks and months. Air and water temperatures will decline as days grow shorter and fronts become more frequent. Cooler weather is probably the primary driver in this but never discount the reduced hours of daylight. In fact, even with daytime highs still well up in the 90s, we have already begun to notice increased feeding activity. Big schools of baitfish, blue water entering through the East Cut, and reds darting from your vessel as you cruise the sand are sure signs that fall is coming. I won’t go so far as saying fall is the easiest season to fish, but fall is pretty darn consistent as regards catching. Adding to better catching is the fact fish will start to put on some weight – not necessarily winter weight – but they’re definitely getting heavier from daily gorging. 

Main baits for fall will include lots of topwaters as the bay waters begin the seasonal cooldown and surface feeding increases. I love tossing surface plugs, the blowups are incredible, especially when two or three fish are chasing the same lure. Keep in mind we will still be tossing lots of plastics, such as the KWigglers Willow Tail Shad rigged on light jigheads. This combination is a top choice when targeting potholes. If you’re lucky you might even get to sight-cast a redfish or a big trout. Pick a natural color like Turtle Grass, Lagunaflauge or Mansfield Margarita.    

We are still catching some nice snook and this should continue until the water cools way down and they vacate the shallows. I touched last month on the lures and rigging I use when targeting these hard-charging acrobats of the flats. I try to keep it simple – fluorocarbon leaders – American Fishing Wire Hi-Seas 25 or 30 pound and AFTCO SAIKA Pro in the same pound strength. I like 20-pound braided line, either Power Pro V2 or Hi-Seas Multi-Color, throwing a KWigglers Willow Tail rigged on 1/8-ounce, size 2/0 black nickel jighead. My top pick in reels is the Shimano Aldebaran or Shimano Stradic Ci4 2500. My rods are Fishing Tackle Unlimited 6’-6” light action Green Rod. Angler choices vary but this is what works for me and many that I fish with regularly. Keep in mind this is the same gear I use daily for trout, reds, and flounder…it just happens to work well for snook. 

Edging steadily toward cool-weather fishing I highly recommend taking time to go through all your winter fishing outfit, especially your waders. Nothing is more disappointing than discovering leaky waders on a brisk fall morning. If you use the Simms brand you still have ample time to send them back to the factory for repairs before cold weather arrives. It usually takes them several weeks or a month for the turnaround so don’t delay. Give them a thorough inspection today and call immediately for a return authorization and repair if you see anything that might need attention. Start preparing now for your winter outings. 

Until next time, stay safe out there and consider a conservative approach to fishing on your next adventure.