Fall Fishing in the Matanzas: Targeting the Big Ones
Fall in northeast Florida is one of the best times to get on the water and try your luck at hooking some impressive fish. With cooler air settling in and water temperatures dropping, the fish around the Matanzas River, our inlets, and beaches are on the move, feeding heavily as they prepare for winter. Here’s what anglers can expect right now and a few of my favorite tips for making the most of the season.
In the Matanzas River and Around the Inlets
With flounder season closed, I’ve been focusing on other inshore species that are biting well, particularly black drum. This time of year, we’re seeing solid numbers of black drum around the deeper channels, bridge pilings, and docks. These fish can get big – often reaching 30 inches or more – and they put up a great fight, especially on light tackle.
Just the other day, my neighbor had a friend visiting from out of town, and they stopped by Genung’s Fish Camp for some bait and advice. I suggested cut blue crab casted into the main channel for the best shot at landing a drum. Sure enough, a little while later, I could hear them celebrating on their dock as they reeled in a hefty black drum, which they estimated at around 40 inches. That’s what it’s all about – sharing some knowledge and hearing about those successful catches!
For those looking to land their own black drum, a piece of cut blue crab or shrimp fished on a fish-finder rig works wonders. Cast it into deeper channels or around structure, where these fish tend to hang out. They’re bottom feeders, so be patient and wait for the subtle “thump” before setting the hook. Black drum are known to be cautious, so make sure to keep your line tight and be ready for a strong pull when they bite.
Redfish are also still schooling up nicely, especially around oyster bars and grassy flats near high tide. Live shrimp, mud minnows, or soft plastics work well. Look for any signs of activity, like baitfish jumping or small wakes, which can indicate redfish are cruising in the area.
Out on the Beach
Surf fishing is at its peak, with pompano running south, offering up some great action right off the beach. Pompano love fresh sand fleas or pieces of shrimp, and a light rig will help you feel their subtle nibbles. Casting close to sandbars or any visible troughs will give you the best shot at these delicious fish.
In addition to pompano, there’s a steady presence of whiting and some bluefish in the surf. Whiting are easy to target with small pieces of shrimp or sand fleas, while bluefish can be more aggressive. A silver spoon retrieved quickly will often catch their eye, leading to some hard-hitting, fast-paced action.
Tips for Fall Fishing Success
One key to fall fishing is to stay flexible. Fish behavior is constantly shifting as water temperatures change, and adapting your strategy to the conditions will pay off. Tide changes are especially important for targeting feeding fish. Try to time your outings around high and low tides when fish tend to be most active.
Another important tip is to use light tackle for a more responsive feel, especially for our more cautious black drum and pompano. With the right setup, you can feel those lighter bites and react faster, making all the difference between a near-miss and a successful hook-up.
Whether you’re after a trophy black drum or a few tasty pompano from the beach, fall is a fantastic time to get out there and wet a line. Here’s to many memorable days on the water, and as always – tight lines!
