LOWER LAGUNA MADRE

Reported by CAPT. BRIAN BARRERA

Snook, Snapper, Reds and Trout

 

WITH COOLER DAY APPROACHING we can expect a lot of changes in our fishery and the way we target our fish. I’ll start chasing snook of all sizes from 16”-39” in water slightly deeper than usual, targeting main bay points, deep riprap, and off the bank structure and seawalls. Doing this I like to use sinking twitchbaits, D.O.A. shallow running Bait Busters, and whatever your favorite soft plastic is on a heavier jighead.

Mangrove snapper on the other hand aren’t always as willing to hit the artificial as a snook is or redfish is. Especially if you’re trying to catch a bucket full for a family fish fry. Use your favorite smaller lures, but don’t be afraid to toss some live shrimp around docks, bridges, and deeper structure when needed.

When chasing redfish during cooler months I like to wait until the warmest part of the day when the sun is at its highest. This pulls the redfish up shallow to warm themselves and feed all at the same time making themselves easier to locate. I like to use D.O.A. Jerk Baits in a purple chartreuse or a black and chartreuse color whether it’s clear water or murky. I feel that these fish are in feeding mode and at this moment I am not trying to convince them to eat, I am trying to get them to see my life from as far away as possible, they’ll do the rest…. 1/8-1/4oz jigheads are my normal size during these times.

The good trout action heats up when the weather gets cold, so expect to see me on the flats chasing big yellow mouths as soon as it does. My favorite way to target these fish is to drift or wade margarita green water that is murky enough to just barely see the potholes. Throwing jigs and soft plastics along with medium sized topwaters on the calmer days always seems to get some good bites. If you’re fishing for these fish earlier in the morning, it’s never a bad idea to fish a bit deeper with a popping cork and D.O.A. Shrimp or bottom bouncing bigger lures off the intracoastal.

Safe travels on the water over the next couple months and tight lines!