Fishing report St Simons Island/Brunswick November 19 & 20, 2010

We had two trips this week, and the fishing remained fairly strong on both days.  Water temps are hovering around 62 degrees, with the water clarity dirty to excellent, depending on where you look.  Here on the Georgia coast the full moon (and new moon) tides can get over 8',  bringing out a lot of silt and dirtying the water.  Day 1 this was a factor, but we eventually found some good fish-including some over slot reds in the 30" range.  Although the wind blew fairly strong, all the usual haunts held lower slot reds and trout.  We mixed it up using soft plastics, 3" gulp shrimp and cut bait.  The key to our moderate success that day was to stay on the run.  This is a good policy to live by, as opposed to waitin out your honey hole, in my opinion. 

Day 2 was a completely different scenario-as there was no wind, a nice cloud cover, and areas of water with visibility up to 6'.  The major difference on Saturday was our method and our target.  All Bomber Long A, all the time...the target being big ole two tooth, alias Speckled Sea Trout.  We really only had two good bites all day.  The first bite was at first light on the first cast, and twelve solid fish later the bite turned off.  This often is the case in any fishing, so don't leave fish to find fish.  Make sure you work the area thoroughly if you catch a fish.  Six hours later, as the tide turned back in, we had four more bites that were all solid fish between 2-4 lbs.  Now is a very good time of the year to experiment with artificials if you've ever wanted to give them a try.  A trolling motor is a huge advantage, but the lack of one will by no means eliminate your chance of catching fish on artificials.   I think the key on both days was to move around and locate fish as they are very hungry right now knowing the winter is coming and the abundant food supply will soon diminish.  

Tip of day:  Now is a good time to use cut bait for large reds, as they are less territorial and in a somewhat transitional stage.  They will cruise broader areas looking (sniffing/smelling) for a meal.  Don't be surprised, however, if a big flounder or trout finds your cut bait as well.

Until next time, you won't know if you don't go....

Capt. Tim Cutting

Coastal Georgia Inshore Charters

St Simons Island, Georgia