Summer’s Last Stand
Reported by CAPT. JARED McCULLOCH
LISTEN: (2 Min, 42 Sec)
SEPTEMBER, THE FINAL STAND of summer, with high temperatures and low winds, can turn any favorite shoreline into a dud. But there are still plenty of great areas to find feeding fish. Locations with current movement, such as the surf, are ideal. While it can be a long run, the fast action with reds and trout will have you back at the dock before the temperatures soar. The bigger the croaker, the better if you venture out there. If you prefer lures, the surf can still be your friend. Large topwaters to get their attention, big 6” shrimp from DOA on a popping cork, and 5” or 6” swimbaits of your favorite brand can keep your line tight.
Color-wise, I like to keep it simple with natural colors in the surf, as the water is clean with minimal visibility issues. If September’s conditions aren’t to your liking, waiting for the first cold front demonstrates stellar patience and self-control, allowing the flats to return to normal. Pothole fishing with cut piggies can produce plenty of angry bites and hard takes. Don’t be afraid to work on your casting accuracy and aim for the small holes. You will be impressed at how many bites come from a hole not much bigger than a slot redfish; so don’t discount a little sand patch.
Don’t get discouraged if the open sand against an island doesn’t have fish; back it up further and further off until you find them. Generally, strong overnight tides will have these reds all over creation. The same goes for wading with lures. If you get a bite out of a sand pocket, work that lure through it every which way you can. Plum colors and medium-sized lures tend to be my go-to in the fall.
October holds one of my favorite stretches of fishing and possibly some of my customers’ favorite fishing as well. Bull reds pile up at the jetties, waiting on the next tide swing to push in and back out. Break out the heavier rods and 50-pound leader; you will need it. Swapping to circle hooks helps you wiggle free from the rocks without breaking off and also reduces throat and gill hooks, ensuring a healthy release of these old breeders. Bucktail jigs with 2 or 3-ounce weights work great this time of year, especially when you add a dead shrimp to the jig. Don’t forget to vent these reds before release to ensure they can return to depth quickly. Good luck out there and tight lines!
Email Jared McCulloch at FirstLightTexas@gmail.com
Phone: (210) 478-6519
