Gulf Coast Fishing Report: Redfish, Trout, and Tarpon Abound in the Sunny Florida Waters

As of November 16, 2024, the fishing scene in the Gulf of Mexico along Florida's Gulf Coast is looking promising, despite some recent challenges. ### Weather and Tides The weather today is partly cloudy with a high of around 78 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 68 degrees. The winds are moderate, coming from the southeast at about 10 mph. High tide is expected at 9:35 AM, and low tide at 3:45 PM, providing good conditions for both inshore and offshore fishing. Sunrise was at 6:51 AM, and sunset will be at 5:34 PM, giving you ample time to hit your favorite spots. ### Fish Activity Fish activity remains robust following recent storms. In the coastal gulf, you can expect to find a mix of blues, Spanish mackerel, and pompano, especially on deep grass flats. Larger trout are active in the skinny waters, while redfish are spreading out on shallow grass flats, often around bars, potholes, or near docks. Snook are staging around bars and shallow flats as they move towards their winter areas. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Yesterday saw a good catch of slot redfish, snook, and speckled trout. The fall mullet run is in full swing, attracting larger predatory species like tarpon and kingfish. Anglers reported catching several redfish in the 20-25 inch range and trout up to 18 inches, particularly in the flats around Apalachicola, Dog Island near Carrabelle, and the flats of Eastpoint around Yents Bayou. ### Best Lures and Bait For redfish and trout, using live bait such as shrimp, mullet, or pinfish is highly effective. Soft plastic lures like DOA shrimp or MirrOlure Marsh Minnows also work well. For snook, try using jigs or topwater plugs, especially around docks and bridges during early morning and late afternoon. Spanish mackerel can be caught using spoons or jigs tipped with shrimp. ### Hot Spots Some hot spots to consider include the flats around Apalachicola and Dog Island near Carrabelle, where redfish and trout have been plentiful. Another good spot is the Boca Grande Pass, known for its tarpon and snook activity. Overall, the Gulf of Mexico is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities this time of year, so make sure to get out on the water and take advantage of the good conditions. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.