When it comes to Fishing In Southwest Florida the month of November has it all

On the Water: When it comes to Fishing In Southwest Florida, the month of November has it all.

Jim Looney of Cape Coral caught and released this 34-inch snook while pitching live baits around oyster bars in Matlacha Pass with Capt. Bill Russell.

November is a month we combine summer and winter fishing together. As cool fronts begin to arrive, our waters are cooling down and fish are transitioning from summer to winter patterns.

Sea trout is the state's most popular inshore game fish and Southwest Florida is no exception; our waters boast some of the best trout fishing in the state. Few would disagree that spotted sea trout are the mainstay of Florida's recreational fishery; they are often referred to as "the people's fish." Unlike redfish, snook, grouper or tarpon, trout are much easier to target for all anglers, and they are great on the table. Trout should be plentiful and feeding heavily on small bait fish, then as we near the end of the month as the water cools, shrimp will become the top bait.

Speaking of redfish and snook, November can be a great month for both if it doesn't get too cold too quick. Snook have vacated their summer homes around the beaches and are relocating throughout the inshore waters. If it remains relatively warm, they may be found feeding over inshore flats, oyster bars, shorelines and sand holes. If it turns cold quick they well seek shelter from the cold in protected areas like canals, rivers and shorelines with deep water. -

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