Report & Images by: Patrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt | @TheRealTupat
August brought the heat – and the fish were biting just as hot! The backwaters of New Smyrna Beach and the Indian River Lagoon are teeming with bait, drawing in an array of trophy species eager to show their teeth.
Redfish have been actively patrolling the creeks, while snook are sunning themselves along the banks, eagerly popping bait. Trout, often elusive, have been lurking in the deeper holes, providing anglers with a thrilling challenge.
I had the pleasure of hosting my friends, Zed and Tommy Layson, who were in town from Barbados for a surf contest. We couldn’t resist the calm, beautiful evening behind my house, so we decided to hit the water.
Using chunk mullet, the boys managed to land two impressive gator trout. Tommy opted for a circle hook, while his dad, Zed, went with a jig head. Both techniques led to an epic battle and a successful catch!
As we transition into the fall season, expect the bite to stay strong. The bait will continue to thicken, and with any luck, the water clarity will improve as well.
Until next time.
Cast ‘em, hook ‘em, and catch ‘em!
Best Days to Fish in September: 1-5, 10-12, 17-19, 23-24, 29-30
September Fishing Tips:
- Target Early Morning Hours: As the temperatures start to cool down in September, the early morning hours can be particularly productive. Fish are often more active at dawn, making it the perfect time to cast your line.
- Use Live Bait for Snook: With snook still hanging around the banks, using live bait like pilchards or shrimp can increase your chances of a bite. Focus on areas with good water flow for the best results.
- Vary Your Retrieval Speed: When targeting redfish, try varying your retrieval speed. Sometimes a slower, more deliberate approach can entice a bite from these patrolling predators.
- Look for Baitfish Schools: As baitfish congregate in September, keep an eye out for birds diving or surface disturbances. These are good indicators of where game fish like trout and redfish may be feeding.
- Adjust for Tides: Pay close attention to the tides, as they play a crucial role in where fish will be. Incoming tides often bring in fresh bait and hungry fish, so timing your outings with the tide can improve your success.
Ponce Inlet September 2024 Tide Chart
