By Chester Moore, Jr
The Port Arthur News
October 08, 2008 09:43 pm
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It is not often that I use the word “amazing” in relation to fishing reports.
If you read my weekend fishing report on a regular basis, you know I am conservative in gauging fishing activity. When I label a certain species as “good” that means there are many consistent reports of anglers catching limits or near limits.
Well, over the last week I have had several anglers report “amazing” action.
Capt. Phillip Samuels reported putting his party on a total of more than 150 specks and reds last week.
“It was unbelievable and everyone I talked to was catching good numbers of fish. Right now is a catch-and-release anglers dream as the action is so hot,” he said.
Reports from the Sabine River show the best action for redfish in recent years around the Dupont Outfall Canal, Burton’s Ditch and down toward the lake.
This might seem unusual to many since there were huge fish kills associated with Ike, however I have a theory about this.
Far more forage species like menhaden and shrimp die in this kills than do predators and after these storms hit, the specks and reds have to compete more fiercely to get food. Additionally, the low dissolved oxygen levels that help to kill the fishing during these storms affect the metabolism of the surviving fish.
Once the waters start clearing up a bit and the oxygen content increase so does their hunger.
While this cannot be proven, you would have a hard time convincing me it is not at least partially true with the great reports I have been getting on a daily basis.
Right now, the key elements seem to be finding working birds, emerging slicks and large schools of reds in the shallows. Fish with a glow or glow/chartreuse colored plastic with a fast retrieve and hold on tight.
Live baiters are doing well with shad (if they can catch it) and with finger mullet fished under a popping cork on a fish finder (Carolina rig). Look for the action to get hot once a strong cold front comes through and starts to purge the marshes.
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