November is certainly one of my favorite months here in the 10,000 Islands! Rainy season is basically over, so the weather patterns are typically mild and the daytime temperatures are comfortably hovering in the high 70’s to low 80’s. Fish are following and feeding on bait pods that migrate into the area just off the near coastal beaches.

The change of seasons will begin to affect our tides from now through the winter months. Watch out those negative low tides of the new moon between the 23rd-29th. A low tide of -.06 could really mess up your day if you did not plan for it. If you are out on the water, use these low tides to familiarize yourself with those shallow oyster bars and to see where those deep pockets lay. If you are going to explore new areas during these low tides, do yourself a favor and wait until an incoming tide to do so. This way if you get hung up on the bottom, it will only be a short wait until you are floating again.

The near coastal waters will start to hold Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Jacks, Ladyfish, and other energized fast swimming species. Look for the flocks of birds feeding working the water while feeing on the scraps of an underwater frenzy. Send out a shiny bucktail type jig, about 3/8 oz, tipped with a small piece of shrimp to add a little scent to your offering.

Around the oyster bars, look for tailing Redfish and mud stirred areas on the incoming tide. Try using a Berkley GULP! to get their attention. If you have live shrimp, send one out under a popping cork. Pop that cork often because it’s like ringing the dinner bell.

Get some DOA Terror Eyz and head into the back country to battle with some Snook as they head way back in the creeks and rivers for the winter season. As the tide is moving out, fish the deeper eddys of the mangrove shorelines. Try throwing out a handful of live pilchards followed by one on a circle hook and hang on!

Don’t forget Speckled Trout season is closed for all of November and December. You can still catch them, but make sure you throw them all back. There is talk about keeping Trout season open all year, but nothing has changed as of now. Always keep yourself educated on the ever changing fishing rules and regulations on the FWC web site: www.MyFWC.com

Need some pointers and lessons? Book a charter and we’ll show you how we do it!

Capt Pete Rapps
CaptainRapps@Gmail.com
239-571-1756
Hailing out of Chokoloskee Island Park Marina, Chokoloskee, FL
Capt Rapps has been fishing the Chokoloskee area for just over 20 years. He offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the 10000 Islands of the Everglades National Park, and is happy to accommodate anyone from men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not, and those with special needs. Pete and his professional captains are extremely patient and love to teach. You can book a charter right online 24/7. See the online availability calendar, booking info, videos, recipes, seasonings, and first class web site at www.CaptainRapps.com