COOLER WEATHER IS A GAME CHANGER

 

Last updated 10/22/2019 at Noon



The water clarity in Sabine Lake is no longer an issue nor is the salinity level and neither should take a turn for the worse over the next few months.As a matter of fact, both should only improve as we move into the cooler months of fall and more frequent north winds empty surrounding marshes.

November and December are easily the most fishermen friendly months of the year with a wide variety of patterns and programs open to local anglers.The only anglers still faced with a major challenge is that relatively small group of folks in search of a trophy trout.

For years, finding the one trout they were looking for required little more than patience and fishing with the most productive lures.Corkies, mullet imitations like the Catch V, and longer tails fished on very light heads took precedence over the smaller tails and popping corks.Larger topwaters like the Super Spook reduced the number of strikes but were far more likely to dupe that trout looking for one big meal!

The bottom line is that any trout over five pounds is now a coveted fish as the trout population continues to rebound following Harvey’s devastation.For that reason, a number of the more dedicated big trout purists are now in pursuit of both flounder and redfish.

Not only are they accomplished anglers relying on the best of equipment, they have no problem riding past the countless small groups of terns and gulls working over twelve to fourteen inch trout.The average angler finds that annual phenomenon to be irresistible.

The bonus in pausing long enough to at least check out birds patrolling surface feeding fish is that there is always a chance that the predators are redfish rather than small trout.Fifteen or twenty minutes in the right school of reds can make your day!

The more reliable shot at a redfish or flounder supper, however, is to work the shoreline and drains on an outgoing tide.The game fish are well aware of the prospects of an easy meal as bait fish and small crabs are washed out into the open lake.Relatively speaking, there aren’t many of these drains on the east side of the lake, but they are all fish magnets at times.

The ability to plant your Talon or Power pole and catch numbers without having to move, ranks second only to the fact that the fish congregate in anticipation of the buffet.It is not at all unusual this time of the year to catch trout, flounder, and reds without ever moving the boat!

In the event that you are forced to fish a high or incoming tide, the best option more often is to work the shoreline on your troll motor.While casting, keep your eyes on the surface for everything from tailing reds to small schools of nervous bait. Never pass egrets wading the shoreline as they are never far from bait that you may or may not see.

This is also the one time of the year that artificial lures will work better for you than live or fresh dead bait.The fact that you can cover more water with artificial is important and those same lures will work when fishing on anchor.

Smaller is generally better than larger when selecting bait size as well.Four inch tails, three inch Swim Baits, and small shallow running crankbaits all work well.Having recommended those three choices, on most days you can also fish a one-eighth ounce spinnerbait or weedless gold spoon and never have to change lures.

The spoon is especially deadly on the redfish, but not the best of choices for flounder.The spinner bait, however, will attract anything that swims.A single bladed version with a #3 Colorado blade and a Gulp body is my first choice.

Regardless of what aspect of fall fishing appeals to you the most, thee best news of all is that every pattern is improving and cooler days make each trip far more enjoyable!

 

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