BAFFIN BAY

Reported by CAPT. GERAD MERRITT

Prime Time for Sharing

 

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER are full of festivities with family and friends, but it is also prime fishing for those looking to explore Baffin Bay and the Land Cut. Whether you are reeling in a big catch or gathering with loved ones, it’s the perfect time to soak in the memories and enjoy all this special season has to offer! 

This time of year, we have to make some slight changes to our fishing techniques. To start, we have transitioned from live croaker to live shrimp. Along with live bait, we occasionally use dead shrimp. The key to fishing with dead shrimp is location. Black drum in our bay tend to stay on a pattern this time of year. They follow and move within the creeks, as well as the drop offs entering the creek area. Black drum stay close to areas with structure and move further up the creeks as the spawning period gets closer. In the land cut, drum find a gut with safe, shallow structures to lay their eggs. Anglers can be successful by seeking out these locations in the bay and land cut if you are opting for dead shrimp as bait. 

If you are looking for a trophy trout this winter, it is important to search for rocks they may be staying close to or lower lying grass areas where they are feeding. Typically, my first approach is to find a few structures that are ideal for holding trout. I start by using live shrimp and a popping cork for bait just a foot or two above the surface. If I shift into a grass line or drop off, I will make sure to shorten the leader below the cork. 

Always keep in mind, different techniques have different results. If we are not successful with the live bait approach, I move into the flats and let my anglers try out a variety of artificials. Generally, I will have one angler experiment with a completely different approach than the other, while I stick to live bait. This allows me to gather information on how the fish are feeding and reacting to different bait/lures. Once we discover the bait that is performing the best we can all switch to that technique. 

We have to remember that these fish can be picky and may lose interest in the bait or a specific lure mid-fight. Once this happens, the trout spit it out as they did not have enough in their mouth to have a good hook set. As a lot of people know, this applies everywhere with all types of fishing. They will eat until they are done and what worked an hour ago might not work now. 

I am extremely grateful for those who follow and read each issue. I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Enjoy some winter time fishing with your family and friends!