Migratory fishing in Fort Myers during late fall

Late fall puts the crisp back not only into Sanibel's air, but the water, too. Water temperatures haved dipped under 70. You'll get a front row seat to a buzz of activity these days when you go fishing in Sanibel Island's bayous and creeks. We can say that we're witness to lots of movement of fish.

Sheepshead are definitely starting their winter bite in a big way. They are on the look out for a simple meal as they gnaw on the barnacles on the oyster bars. Sheepshead are infamous for robbing the bait from the hook before your can reel them in. That means you need to be prepared for this possibility.

Our Fort Myers fishing charters clients are staying busy and happy right now, because the trout are really biting. Just as the fronts are passing you will find these fish along the grass, but deeper flats they can be in water 6 feet or deeper. You will be sure to attract trout if you use shrimp or sardines, or a variety of brightly colored jigs. One method for luring a trout is by using their favorite live bait beneath a popping cork. Three quick pops of the cork should be all it takes. As the trout are drawn to you, be prepared for other predators too, making a varied catch. You can customize your rigging as needed as much as you wish. Depending on the depth of water, good bait can be as simple as shrimp on a bobber.

At the moment, all of the inlets and creeks adjoining the sound are chock full of young redfish. The hungry kids can not hold back from shrimp on a jig head or cut bait. Large amounts of bigger redfish are available near deeper water in the grass flats and on top of oyster beds.

The passes are now full of big schools of mackerel. In the last few weeks before they migrate to the southern regions, they are very active and these groups are combined with ladyfish and trout. Weighing in at 8 pounds or so, these mackerel can give quite a fight for a light tackle fisherman.

As they get ready for their metabolism to slow down for the winter season, the snook are entering the river and preparing to fatten themselves up on the baitfish which are moving to the south. In the period between different weather cycles, you can get still see great results snooking by the simply chumming generously.

Late fall is an opportune time to take advantage of all the movement happening just beneath the surface of our waterways. Smart fisherman and woman take advantage of changing seasons just as they do changing tides.