As a long time proponent of artificial lures I thoroughly enjoy a fishing trip with some of my favorite lures. As waters begin cooling usually in early fall you’ll often find me tossing an early morning topwater and as the sun climbs I’ll switch to a large artificial swim or jerkbait.  Depending on the feeding cycle you might not get as many strikes with larger lures but usually they attract larger fish. Like any other artificial’s the biggest factor is proper presentation and the confidence it’ll catch fish.

As a youngster and with a desire to learn how to fish with artificial lures I would take two rods with me. One rigged with a topwater Dalton Special or MirrOlure and the other with a soft plastic worm, jerk or swim bait. Making the decision at an early age; I decided to become proficient at artificial, thereby gaining the confidence needed to catch fish and I’d throw them all day. It must have worked because today I thoroughly enjoy fishing wood and plastic lures and confident in my ability to catch fish using them.

Artificial lures require continuous casting so, your choice of tackle should include a light tackle, 7 to 7½ foot spinning rod and reel spooled with your choice of monofilament or braid. I prefer 8-15 pound braid for its casting distance. Normally you’ll also need a piece of Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader 12 to 18 inches long tied to the braid using a double Uni-knot. It’s now time to tie on your favorite confidence lure using a loop knot.

If you prefer a bait caster to spinning again, you might choose a 7 to 7½ medium to medium heavy rod and reel. If you use braid on your baitcaster I’d suggest spooling nothing lighter than 50 to 60 pound braid. This size is still the equivalent of 10 to 12 pound monofilament and does not embed into the spooled line.

Through the years, it’s my preference to use a good topwater early or late in the day. This does not mean you cannot experience topwater action during other parts of the day. It mostly depends on feeding patterns and presentation. The foremost questions asked is what the best lure is and what color? The lure doesn’t make much difference provided you become adapt at presentation. It ought to emulate a swimming or wounded baitfish and that’s on you. Learning to work a lure regardless of manufacture is to your advantage.

What color baits do I choose? If it’s soft plastics everyone has his or her own favorites.  Anglers are bombarded with elaborate varieties of colors and if were to bring all these color patterns, they’d probably sink their boat.

So are there any rules for what color pattern to fish?  None, but most anglers’ select transparent or subtle colors in clear water or on sunny days. On cloudy days or stained water, a more solid color pattern is preferred.

So what colors should you carry?  This decision is hard to make.  I usually carry a small variety of color patterns so I can fish in any water clarity or sunny or cloudy day.  However, if I had to decide on only a few colors it would be root beer or new penny for stained water and white or white/light green for clear water.  Now all you have to do is decide what style lure to use and how to work it.
What about topwater and diving lures? Years ago, anglers would pop or chug lures across the surface. Today, one of the best action retrieves is called “walking the dog” or retrieving the lure with a short jerky action. This reel and jerk action makes the lure dart back and forth from side to side. Diving lures are basically swim baits and when reeled have their own action derived from the shape or lip configuration. Basically, color plays a more prominent role in diving lures and the same guides apply as for soft plastics. However, in topwater’s the primary color seen by a fish is the lures belly which plays only a small part in feeding fish. The fish is striking largely on the action of the lure as it’s worked across the surface.

Jerkbaits and artificial shrimp are excellent fish catchers. Jerkbaits rigged weedless or on jigheads seem to attract more attention when using the twitch and reel retrieve. However, when this is not producing significant action slow it down or stop it occasionally. With the new stinky baits tossing one into a likely area and letting it sit produces exceptional action.

Realism is the key in soft plastics. Frequently soft baits stiffen up or become hardened, so if you have one of those expensive swim types that’s rolling or running on its side or do not have the same action as new, you need to soften the plastic. Try suspending it in hot water for a few seconds.  When using a pot over heat never let it sink or touch the bottom. If you do you’ll have a melted lure.

Fishing artificial is both exciting and exhilarating. The idea of consistently coaching a fish into striking a non-natural lure is the true measure of an artificial lure angler. Once proficiency and personal confidence are gained; you’ll find yourself relaxing with a nice artificial lure; anxiously anticipating the thunderous strike of that next trophy that bit on your presentation.

Fishing Florida for over 50 years I offer professionally guided fishing and teaching charters around Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tarpon Springs. So, if you want to catch fish, have a memorable adventure or perhaps learn some new fishing tips give me a call. I also specialize in group or multi-boat charters. Tell me what you need and leave the rest to me.

To Book Fishing Charters please visit my website “www.captainwoodygore.com” or call me at: 813-477-3814.

This article is owned by Capt. Woody Gore and is copyright protected. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by Capt. Gore. wgore@ix.netcom.com

Boat ownership is much like owning other vehicles; most require insurance especially when financed. To protect their investment lien holders require insurance on the vessel or vehicle. Even if it’s owned outright you should still consider getting it insured. There are lots of situations that could go wrong when you own a boat including sever liability issues. So, good but affordable insurance will go a long way towards protecting you and that investment.
Insurance is like insurance companies are not all the same. When buying boat insurance do your homework; make sure you’re not buying a pig in a poke.

Here are some thoughts on acquiring affordable and solid insurance.

Shop Around: Make a cost and coverage comparison of at least 3-4 insurance policies from different companies. This helps you locate a policy that offers maximum coverage for an affordable price. Purchase boat insurance from a company that has a good rating.

What’s It Actually Worth: Know what your boat is worth. Today’s market has likely reduced the value of your boat. This might allow you to reduce your premium.

Agreed Value or Actual Cash Value: What’s the difference?

Agreed Value normally costs more however it does provide higher compensation levels. In the event of limited loss it pays the replacement cost of items and will pay the stated policy value if the boat is a total loss.

Actual Cash Value is less expensive because it depreciates all losses and pays you less in nearly every claim. Mutually these policies have benefits but only you can decide which best for you.

What It Covers – What It Doesn’t: Essential coverage usually includes salvage recovery, accidental damage, fire, flood, and storm damage, theft, vandalism or malicious acts, and liability coverage. Make sure you understand exactly what coverage you’re getting as well as what’s not covered.  You need to identify its coverage and the amounts it pays. What about environmental issues, i.e. fuel spills, clean-up and property damage? Does your insurance pay to remove the sunken boat? Not necessarily; it often depends on your coverage and insurance company. If the policy doesn’t make sense ask them to explain in a language you understand. Plenty of policies exclude these type coverage’s.

• Your boat sinks and is covered by insurance, but what about salvage cost, clean up and removal charges.

• Are you protected against hurricane damage? Usually at additional cost with higher deductibles.

• You’ve decided to stay out overnight but weather forces you into a neighboring marina. While there your boat catches fire. Does your policy cover the damage to the marina and other boats, and to what extent?

• While docked or anchored your boat sinks because your automatic bilge switch failed, is the consequential water damage covered? Your policy might exclude losses caused from a failed part.

• Storing your boat at home would not require contractual liability.
However, most rental storage or marinas have, hold harmless provisions in their contracts. Does your policy satisfy this hold harmless agreement?

Drop the Comprehensive: Consider a liability policy that still protects you from lawsuits if you damage someone else’s property or someone gets injured. Do this only if your boat is paid for and you can financially suck up repairs, damages or the loss of your boat. When considering liability only coverage makes certain they include medical coverage for passengers, salvage removal, fuel spills and uninsured boater coverage.

Pay the Small Things: Try to handle the smaller claims yourself, don’t submit claims for minor problems save it for the larger ones. Ask about a larger deductible and always asks your insurance company for a discount.

Safe Boater Course Discounts: Boating safety courses are offered throughout the country, covering all types of recreational vessels. Qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, and others sponsor boating safety courses. Many times insurance companies will offer discounts if you take and pass an approved safe boating class.

This article is owned by Capt. Woody Gore and is copyright protected. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by Capt. Gore. wgore@ix.netcom.com

Snook (Gulf Coast Size Limit: 28-33 Inches) – The Snook bite’s been ok but nothing like the summer months. These earlier than normal cold snaps dropped the water temperatures drastically sending snook running for warmer water. If you’re looking for greenbacks they’re also on the move and much smaller. While they always seem to be at the Skyway, north winter winds often make it difficult if you are in a boat. Shrimp are usually available except when strong winds keep the shrimpers in port. Here’s a tip when using greenbacks or shrimp during cool water weather. Cut the tail fins off the sardines to slow them down and tail hook a shrimp with a jighead and fish it slow on the bottom. Remember bridges, docks and deepwater structure during cool water times.

Redfish – Redfish should continue cooperating provided it doesn’t the water temperatures don’t get too low. Cut bait and artificial lures are productive. Topwater lures worked with a “walk the dog” action is always exciting, especially on a calm morning.

Sea Trout – Cold water usually means the trout bite is going to start. As the temperatures begin cooling they head to the deeper grass flats, rocky shoals and start eating. This would be a good time to experiment with artificial lures.

Mackerel, Cobia, Sharks – for some reason we seem to keep some resident mackerel schools in the bay area. You’ll find them eating glass minnows and small greenbacks.

Cobias are starting to show up around the bay and with cool water temperatures they’ll head to the power plant hot water discharges. Chum bags, large shrimp and pinfish produce well.
When fishing the hot water discharges you’ll probably catch your share of smaller sharks.

Sheepshead – Sheepsheads are everywhere and should start picking up around rock piles, oyster bars with sandy shoals, docks and bridges. Scrap the pilings, use a piece of green mussel and hang on.

Tampa Bay’s the largest open-water estuary in the state, and is home to a myriad of sea grasses, marine life and a hale and hearty diversity of fish. These marine creatures attract many species of fish, birds, manatees and other wildlife which come to feast on the rich food sources. If angling is something you enjoy, then Tampa Bay and the inter-coastal waters of the gulf coast certainly offer some awesome fishing opportunities.

While fishing can be done year round, fall offers some excellent opportunities on a variety of species. On fishing outings some species you’re likely catch include snook, redfish, cobia, tarpon, trout, grouper, kingfish, and mackerel. Read on to see what’s going on in November?

As we approach the cool water temperatures of winter, shallow water fishing definitely improves. The fish start aggressively feeding for winter and become more active as they search for food. They’ll take an assortment of baits from live to dead. And since they will have large appetites anglers will have greater success using a wider range of artificial lures.

Snook: This is our last month to keep snook as the season closes December first. November is when things usually start coming alive around the bay and inter-coastal waterways. Snook are usually tops on the list as the fall transition has started and we are catching Snook on just about every shoreline.  The best bite has been at the beginning and end of either incoming or outgoing tides. Snook normally respond live baits as well as top water lures, jerk baits and shallow diving lures.

Spotted Sea Trout: Beginning November first it will be catch and release only in the south region until January first. Otherwise winter’s a great time for the big gator trout especially as they start working their way into the back-country and deeper grass flats. Often concentrating in deeper holes usually makes them easier to locate especially on low tides.

Redfish: The reds are still biting and some are still schooled up biting everything tossed in their direction. They should continue to be consistent on the flats and around the mangroves. A variety of artificial lures are catching their share along with live shrimp, sardines, and pinfish. The key to finding redfish, is fishing dark patchy bottoms, especially around schools of larger mullet. Although chumming with live bait works, tossing dead cut bait around the mangroves on flooding tides usually brings them out to investigate. Most are holding close to the shoreline.

Inshore Gag Grouper: The inshore grouper bite will pickup especially as the water temperatures cool down. Fishing should be good when we can avoid the northerly cold fronts and high winds. Lots of keeper nearshore and Tampa Bay fish coming up with a few really nice keepers from 15 to 25 feet of water. These guys are awesome fun especially on light tackle and trolling.

Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, Bluefish: November cold fronts are here and so are the traditionally high winds that follow. As the water temps fall with each passing front the near beach kingfish bite should improve. Tons of bait should bring the kings, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and bonito within a mile or so of the beach or inside the bay.

Fish With Captain Woody Gore: Fishing Florida for over 50 years I offer professionally guided fishing and teaching charters around Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tarpon Springs. So, if you want to catch fish, have a memorable adventure or perhaps learn some new fishing tips give me a call. I also specialize in group or multi-boat charters. Tell me what you need and leave the rest to me. To book a charter please visit my website “www.captainwoodygore.com” or call me at: 813-477-3814.

It’s that time of year, the fish are eating and we’re doing more catching than fishing. This is a great time to fish as late summer and early fall temperatures start dropping. If you want to catch tarpon, snook, redfish, trout, snapper, grouper, or sharks now is the time to do it. “Give Me a Call and Let’s Go Fishing” For charters or articles on catching fish, visit my website www.captainwoodygore.com.

Tarpon are still around and biting. We’ve caught plenty over the past month. On a recent outing with my son Capt. Mike took his new Ranger out for some break-in time and decided to do some early morning topwater action with our favorite the Top Dog Jr. The snook bite was slow so we decided to look around trying out his new Hummingbird 1197.

While checking an inshore reef south of St. Pete Pier, we noticed schooling tarpon feeding on a giant bait schools. Of course neither of us brought out tarpon gear and you can bet your bottom that won’t happen again. Not able to withstand the personal pressure, we decided to fish them anyway. I tied on the deepest sinking lure in the box a MirrOLure Catch 5 and began casting toward the schooling fish. To make a two-hour story short we jumped five tarpon and landed a nice cobia. Unfortunately, we lost every MirrOlure in the boat, but man… what a ride on tarpon.

Redfish and Snook are all over the area hanging around the many lush grass flats and mangrove shorelines. As redfish move back into the bay it’s not usually easy to find them schooled up on the many grass flats covering Tampa Bay. It’s also the time of the year when the really big reds show up. You never know whether you’re going to a catch one in the slot or one of the giants over 30 inches. These big reds often top the scales at 15 to 20 pounds. The upper bay area is holding good numbers of fish but you must pick your tide days carefully when fishing north of the Courtney Campbell Causeway by boat. The area gets extremely shallow on low water, so fish the higher tides with live bait or shrimp under a small cork.

Snook are in season until December 15 on the gulf coast. With most of the snook we caught averaging in the 22 to 25 inch range. The new slot limits of 28 inches to 33 inches often make it tough to put a slot fish in the boat, but if you work at it, you’ll catch one or two especially as fall approaches. We did catch one or two in the 29 to 35 inch range on live greenbacks. For those who like the night life associated with snook fishing, this is great time. They’re hanging under residential docks watching the light line for a quick meal. Use a shallow diving artificial lure or free-line a big shrimp. Make sure to use a weighty leader like Seaguar 30-40 lb., so you don’t get cut of on the pilings.

As for the others, we’ve been catching good sized mangrove snapper at the bridges with some topping out around 3 pounds. Cobia are showing and for us it usually only takes a chum bag over the side to spark their curiosity. If you hook-up, be ready with another rod and bait as other cobias will be following the action. Mackerel, bluefish, jacks and ladyfish are feeding on bait schools everywhere. If its glass minnows they’re after remember to match the hatch.

Never turn your fishing nose up at ladyfish and jacks especially when kids are involved; they can certainly make or break a trip. Most children are not interested in fishing, however they are interested in catching and they don’t care what it is. When you take kids fishing make sure it’s all about them. You’ll get your turn when you and your buds get out.

If you want to catch fish, have a memorable adventure or perhaps learning some new fishing tips give me a call. I also specialize in group or multi-boat charters. Tell me what you need and leave the rest to me. Fishing Florida for over 50 years I offer professionally guided fishing and teaching charters around Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Tarpon Springs.

To Book Fishing Charters please visit my website CaptainWoodyGore.Com or call me at: 813-477-3814.