I have enjoyed November fishing this year. It is a dynamic month for angling. Mullet have migrated south, nights with freezing temperatures, water temperatures falling fast into the low 50's. This is a transitional period were most plants and animals are preparing for the winter slow down.
I have been catching trout, flounder, puppy redfish, and black drum have been consistent since October. Baits have been live mud minnows, cut shrimp, and my favorite-artificial baits.
November is when I really focus on fishing with soft artificials. I love inshore fishing with artificials. Fishng artificials was the staple when I lived in S.Florida and I learned a great deal about fishing them.
Here are some tips for inshore fishing with soft plastics.
1)Use a light spinning reel, 6 +feet rod.Longer rods=longer casts.
2)Sharpen your hooks. Strikes may not be agressive, so get them on the first bite.
3) Fan casting - start at 7 o'clock and go to 5 o'clock with 3-6 casts each time. then move on.
4) Quiet, sleathy approach, no banging anchors, etc...
5) Use fresh line, so casting is more effective.
6) Pre-Rig multiple poles with a variety of jig head weights, colors, bladed lures, and crankbaits, so you do not waste time rigging or you can use a swivel clip tied to the line to quickly change lures.
7) slow retrieves, bouncing up and down, pausing on the bottom.
8)Keep the rod tip straight up at 12 o'clock for better sensitivity and hook set.
9) use the lightest jighead possible for the conditions.
10) move around until fish are located. I like deeper water because water temps are more stable.
Good luck.
Capt.Rutenberg
www.coastalecocharters.com