By Richard Hastings
November fishing is just about as comfortable as it gets in the Florida Keys. Sunny and 75 degrees with a little wind, making it great weather for all species.
Cold fronts are bringing more flocks of birds south, giving a beautiful backdrop to fishing in the Everglades National Park. In between the cold fronts you’ll find hungry bonefish schools – ocean and bayside – willing to eat larger shrimp flies this time of year.
We’re still seeing quite a few permit patrolling the flats, but those shots are limited. Bonefish bite would be the best if you only have a half day to fish. Catch larger fish, which are more resilient to colder water temperatures.
Wind and cold send me back into the Everglades National Park. It’s always a place to hide from the wind and find some happy fish. The snook and redfish bite is phenomenal. With a lot of mullet still in Florida Bay, there is plenty of food for all species. Finding these fish where they are actively feeding is a show for all to see. A snook “pop” around the corner is a sign of good things to come.
FISH TIP
Floating a live shrimp under a popping cork is a good way to fish for redfish. They also chase crabs, mullet, pinfish and killifish (mud minnows).
FISH FACT
The state record for largest snook is 45 pounds and 12 ounces. It was caught in August 2015 near Sebastian.
