With summer being officially over with the ending of the world series, congrad's to the Florida Marlins by the way.. True to Texas fall weather form, the temperatures are in the 90's one day and may drop to the 50's the next. And with the El Nemo phenomenon kicking into high gear this season. Anglers should look for an even shorter Texas fall than normal. After enjoying an above average fishing season for the most part this past summer. Chances are not to many anglers are ready to put those rods into storage for the winter just yet.. And chances are there may be no reason for their early retirement especially if the Fall / Winter fishing is anything like the past summer. With the drop in temperatures, bringing on all those nagging trick knee aliments and sore backs. It is also a sign for different saltwater species to go into their annual migratory habits. We already have experienced a better than normal fall Redfish run a few short weeks ago. Hopefully most of you got out there and pick up some memorable fishing stories, not to mention a few nice reds for the freezer for this winter.. And if past fishing experiences hold true some other great game fish species should start their moving patterns once the dropping temperatures give them the signal..
Flounder, trout, (speck and sand), croaker, whiting, the list goes on, will get those familiar genetic codes kicking into high gear once the temperatures start to drop. And most of the species are tailor made for loading up those freezers with some nice fillets, perfect for the grill or skillet. Going into their schooling modes different species will be heading to shoreline all along the Texas Gulf Coast to stake out their claims for the winter season, like retirees heading south to Florida. All in search of that perfect grassy shore to call home for the long winter. And if you have done you homework, you should be right there with rod and reel in hand waiting to welcome them home.
Although the action may be getting hot the temperature will definitely be dropping. And with our high humidity those cold Northerly breezes can cut right to the bone. Those unfortunate anglers that come ill prepared can turn an otherwise perfect fishing day into a miserable one. So for those fishermen it might be a good idea and spend that little extra for those insulated waders. After a few short hours in near freezing waters I can guarantee a salesman hawking thermals at any price would be snatched up in just a few seconds. Same clothing sense goes for the upper body especially the old hat rack.. If you think you will be too uncomfortable with all those layers of clothing, chances are you will be a lot more uncomfortable without them.. Just remember you can always peel those layers off as the day warms up. But if the wind picks up or the temperature drop even further, those specks, reds and flounder may not turn off to give you an excuse to return to the warmth of the truck. And there is nothing harder than trying to drag a angler off a hot spot if he has dress according to the weather conditions..
Last thought on the winter fishing that all saltwater enthusiast should keep in mind.. Though the condition may not always be favorable for nice comfortable wade fishing. During those really chilly days most game fish species will tend to congregate in deeper waters with some sort of structure, be it natural or artificial. And with all of the modern day equipment these sanctuaries will not be too hard too find, just look for the circle of boats. But unlike the fishermen, the fish are in a life and death struggle during the extremely cold days. Congregating in these few winter strongholds tend to put those game fish in an otherwise dangerous position. Finding enough food to help them survive those unseasonably colder days is hard enough. They should not be forced to dodge bait filled hooks in the process. So cut them a break and stick to the shorelines or there abouts!! After all these are the next seasons breeding stock you catching now.. And every little bit of fishing sportsmanship you afford your favorite game fish species now, will pay off in big dividends come next season!!!! As far as those unsuspecting reds and specks you find tailing the shallows during the warmer days, well their fair game, just remember use the Blue Bell method of angling!!! Keep what you need, and release the rest!!!! One last note, remember Wild Turkey is not fishermen's anti-freeze… Save the hot toddies for the fish fry!!!
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