Fishing Report Oct 21st - Pensacola, Navarre, Perdido Key

October 21st^, 2014 - Fishing Report  -Pensacola, Florida

The past week has been outstanding for King Mackerel in Pensacola Bay. Live bait (Menhaden) is the bait of choice. While catching these Kings, we are also catching Jack Crevalle and Sharks. This style of fishing will last till around mid November and then we’ll be going after the bull reds that will start to show up right around November 1^st -10^th.  Let’s talk about trout and reds on the flats. The inshore bite on the flats in October is typically a great month for inshore fishing, but it didn’t started out that way. Not too many captains will post reports saying the fishing was slow when it is, but honestly it’s been a very tough start to October. Even though it’s been a challenge these past couple weeks, we are still catching fish, but we really have to watch the tides, and pick the right conditions for the clients’ needs.

So what do I expect the last 10 days of the month? Better fishing. That’s because the tides are going to get better and we’ll be getting some much needed cold fronts, and that should kick off the fall fishing that we are more accustomed to by now. I will be fishing a bunch next week both morning and evening trips, and I’ll post some reports and hopefully I will have good news. If it’s not I’ll let you know. I feel that if the fishing is slow, let the client know what to expect so they have an informed decision whether to reschedule the trip or take their chances. This policy has always been my motto and I feel it’s the correct way to run a fishing business.

I have a top of the line 240 LTS Triton, new or practically new rods and reels, and some of the best tackle on the market. My Humminbird 999ci HD si is essential for finding the structure where the fish are congregating when we are out scouting around for that elusive trophy fish.

Lastly, lets talk about what’s to come in November. The big reds should start to make their way into the bays in a few weeks. As soon as we get a few major cold fronts, it will kick off the fall redfish run. I’m happy to announce that the bay is full of bait and when I say full, I’m not exaggerating. All the blood-minnows and Menhaden are pouring out of the upper bay estuaries.

With all the bait in the bay, it won’t be long before reds get here.

Hope everyone has a great week. I'll post a new report on or after Halloween

Till then, here's wishing you bent rods and screaming drags.

John 

www.captainjohnrivers.com

850-341-9816

Pensacola Inshore Fishing Report

Pensacola Inshore Fishing Report   

September came to a close. It’s been very windy and kept me off the water more than I like, but I have had the chance to get out on the water a handful of times. With the busy summer season behind me, it was time to do a bit of maintenance on the rod reels and boat.  Upkeep is key to having your equipment in top-notch shape, plus I wanted to get all my ducks in a row before the fall redfish run which is getting closer. So one week was trailer work, the other week was checking wires, pumps, and fuses. You never want to get out on the water and have a problem, so it’s worth it to fix it before it breaks.
Of course, I did notch out some time to get out there and fish, so here is a report on those handful of day trips and even a few of those night trips for September.  The last few weeks fishing the pass for reds and trout was pretty productive, but the key was to get there when the tide was right.

For the redfish and trout I was tossing top-water plugs like MirrOlure’s Top Dog and the 17MR MirrOdine and ZMan’s PaddlerZ and MinnowZ. The night bite at a few of the bridges has been outstanding for white trout and redfish and even a shark or two. The white trout are so plentiful; it is perfect for kids and family outings. Most of the fish are 1 –1.5 lbs, but they are starting to get a little bigger as fall approaches.  We did manage to hook a few fish that were around 2.5 lbs, and those fatties made for a good fight on light tackle. White trout are pretty tasty, and the kids just love how easy it is to get one to bite that hook.  I’ve had a few guests with kids that were so worn out from reeling, that they had to give their wrists a rest before continuing.

The reds have been caught both deep and around the lights on top. I like to pitch a ZMan Jerkshad on a ¼ oz jig head for the reds, and also free line a live bait with no weight and just a circle hook  set in the rod holder while we’re jigging for trout and reds. As you can see, fishing has been very good and should only get better as fall approaches and cooler temperatures arrive. Starting in about 4 weeks the annual fall redfish run will start and I can’t wait. If you like the pull of a monster redfish over 25 lbs, give me a shout and we’ll get you hooked up for sure.

 

Tight Lines.. Capt. John

www.captainjohnrivers.com

850-3419816