With Floyd moving to the north, the winds will clock around to the northeast. Expect them to still be gusty the next few days. These winds accompanied with quarter moon tides will more than likely result in lower than normal tides. This is a good time to fish the flats just outside of bayous and creek mouths for redfish and trout. The grassflats that feature skinny water and salt n’ pepper bottom are where you should apply your efforts. Weedless soft body jerkbaits like the Cotee Button Eye Jerk Minnow are perfect for this type of shallow water fishing. Snook will be easy to find taking refuge in the deeper pockets, troughs, holes, and canals. Slow tides and building high pressure the next few days will keep the bite to a minimum. When weather patterns turn more favorable and with the building moon next week, snookers will get their satisfaction.

Prior to the blow, Spanish mackerel were starting to make a show in local waters. With the wind now coming out of the northwest, expect the prime areas to be a little stirred up. Clean water is essential for Big Mack bites. When the dust settles and the Gulf temperatures continue to fall, action will resume.

We can expect a mango snapper frenzy on next week’s full moon. While the fish are easily taken in the offshore waters, inshore requires a little finesse. Small scaled sardines worked near rocky rip-rap will produce for those with the right touch. One of my favorites of past times is getting together with old friends for some fraternal mango competition. Under the cover of darkness, the boat is silent and the concentration is intense. Any of these guys could make great guides if they wished, but it is he that can set the hook before the bite who wins. The trips are very productive and a fish fry the next night is a tradition that has spanned many moons in our house. Fresh snapper fingers, hush puppies, home shoestring fries, frosted beer, homemade Key Lime pie and the best of company are what make good trips great. Oh…and don’t forget the coleslaw!

Screaming drags and tired arms!!!