Excitement in Autumn
Reported by CAPT. EDDIE HERNANDEZ
LISTEN: (3 Min, 10 Sec)
IT’S A GREAT DAY to be an outdoorsman.
These next two months are special and should rank very close to the top of most hunter’s and angler’s list of favorites. Outdoor activities that had been placed on the back burner during the sweltering summer months are now shifting rapidly toward the front. Even though it may not feel like it just yet, there is definitely something in the air reminding us that seasonal changes are very much within our grasp.
It is now time to start thinking seriously about practicing with your bow, mowing and trimming at the deer lease, stocking upon on dove load and of course, fishing. Here on Sabine Lake the big three are feeding aggressively and taking a variety of artificial lures as well as the real thing. It’s as if they can sense the changing of the seasons well before we can feel it. Meanwhile, the heatwave continues to linger but knowing what the coming weeks will bring is enough to get us, as well as the bait and fish, excited.
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Fishing the mouths of Willow and Bridge Bayous should produce some pretty impressive stringers of trout, reds and flounder. These areas have a long history of attracting and holding baitfish and are go to spots for many Sabine anglers year round. Good tidal movement keeps shad, shrimp, mullet and glass minnows moving in and out. That, in turn, keeps the hungry predators on the prowl. These fish will gladly accept any of these baits as well as an assortment of artificials.
Great choices for soft plastics include DOA CAL Series, Down South Lures and Zoom Super Flukes. Topwaters such as She Dogs and Skitter Walks in bone and pink/silver plus Catch 2000s and gold spoons should also get good results. Good tidal movement is important, so plan accordingly. Work both points over really well and pay particular attention to areas where the current forms small eddies.
Trout and redfish usually like it either bounced off the bottom or worked a little higher in the water column. Key on areas that are holding bait and if you’re lucky enough to see shrimp skipping within range, cast as close to it as possible.
For flounder, slowly drag a Gulp swimming mullet or curl tail grub tipped with fresh peeled shrimp on a 1/8 oz. lead head. Once you feel the trademark “thump”, give it a couple of seconds then pop him really good to ensure the hook is buried in its bony mouth. Another proven option for flounder is to rig your lure about two feet under a popping cork. Cast up current and let the tide drag it. Look for subtle changes in the cork because more often than not a flounder won’t take it under. If it starts to lean and stops moving, reel in the slack and set the hook.
Enjoy this special time of year and good luck in whatever outdoor activities you pursue. Maybe we’ll see you here on Sabine.
Email Eddie Hernandez at GHGS.Eddie@gmail.com
ONLINE: GoldenHookGuide.com
