The mild temperatures and shorter days have really livened up the bite here in the Tarpon Springs, FL area. The fish are feeding in preparation for the upcoming winter.
The snook are in transition to their winter haunts and can be seen and caught just about anywhere that there is structure or mangroves. We have been catching the Snook at the mouth of the river, up river and on the beaches. The warm temperatures have the snook in a kind of a "limbo" transition phase. They are not sure where they should be headed as of yet. Snook in the 30 inch to 42 inch range are a common site.
The Redfish have invaded the area and catching 30 or more fish a day is common. They are ranging in sizes from 17 inches to 40 inches in length. Fishing around oyster beds and rocky areas has produced many fish along with the grass flats while they are feeding on the incoming tides.
The trout have started making their presence known. As the water temperature cools down, the bigger trout will take over the spoil islands and grass flats in preperation for the spawn. As winter time moves ahead, the trout will be caught in the 25 to 34 inch range.
Cobia are also starting to make their way in this area. I have seen and caught a few which were following stingrays searching for food.
