Charlotte Harbor fishing report

As November comes to a close, we’ve transitioned from our late Summer or Fall type pattern into more of a winter scenario. We’ve had a couple decent cold fronts, water temps have come down and water clarity has improved quite a bit as have our salinity levels. The latter is due to our lack of rain. Moreover, we’re back to working low tides that are made even more so from the persistent north winds associated with the last couple cold fronts. Out on the flats and in the backcountry the fishing has been typical for these conditions. For the most part, it’s been best on the strongest tides that come from the stronger moon phases. The spotted sea trout bite has been pretty good wherever you can find some decent bottom with a combination of mixed sand and grass anywhere from two to four feet. I haven’t been seeing as many redfish as I’d like but they are scattered around the mangroves and the best number I’ve seen have been mixed in with mullet schools pushing down the shorelines. I have encouraged by the number of small snook I’ve been seeing in the backcountry. They’ve been sticking close to the mangroves and the best numbers have been around the deeper points and just outside small creek systems. As the weather continues to cool, they’ll push farther into the backcountry looking for more stable conditions. For these guys, it’s slim pickings this time of year so small flies or plastics are our best bet.