Witnessing colossal groupings of hungry Redfish on the surface of the water is truly a spectacular experience! This happens once a year along the Florida gulf coast. During the month of November large schools of breeder Redfish move into the local bays to ambush menhaden leaving the bayous. This is convenient for everyone including the more novice angler to succeed in boating a trophy of their own. Unfortunately, I have recently witnessed several recurring mistakes by both novice anglers and experienced guides. These idiotic blunders not only affect the boat at fault, but also everyone around them. I have yet to wrap my head around a conclusion as to why these foolish errors continue to take place, but I feel compelled to share my ideas in hopes that it may shed some light in the eyes of the anglers involved.
I will start by sharing a few techniques, and will follow by informing you of several common mistakes I see performed on a daily basis. The first piece of advice I continuously share with other anglers is “Just because you can’t see the fish on the surface doesn’t mean they aren’t feeding.” So many times I witness boaters impatiently waiting for the fish to break the surface before making a move. This is an immensely ineffective way to pursue Redfish! The fish regularly feed below the surface of the water, and if you aren’t blind casting you’re missing opportunities. Next, I pray every angler would internally drill into their brains the fact that REDFISH DON’T RESPOND WELL TO BOAT MOTORS! I understand you’re probably new to guiding and or the sport of fishing so getting aroused over a school of fish is very natural. Unfortunately, this is the most costly mistake you can make! Not only is it detrimental to your success, but it’s very dangerous when you have 30 boats chasing one group of fish. It would be in everyone’s best interest to come off plane 50 yards from the schooling fish. You will have better results with zero concerns of colliding into a fellow boater. No fish is worth putting yourself or any other boater in danger. Plus, it keeps you from looking like a blithering idiot.
The holidays are among us and I’m confident everyone is itching to spend a day on the water. There are plenty of fish to be caught and lots of fun to be had. I encourage you to be mindful of each and every situation. It’s acceptable to experience excitement over a sizable grouping of Redfish, but there is no need to put anyone in danger trying to fulfill your selfish desires by being a reckless boater.
See ya on the water
Capt Brant
