Capt'n Tom

We saw some fine fishing on Pier 60 in November. With air temperatures in the high to mid-70′s and water temperatures hovering around 70 degrees, fishing action was non-stop most days here.

We saw lots of nice Spanish Mackerel during the mornings. Macks were hitting the usual- live shrimp, small minnows, and lures such as spoons or flashy plugs.

We also saw a fair number of Redfish, some in the keeper slot of 18-27 inches, and some bruisers more than three feet long released here.

Pompano were taken on many mornings, with some nice fish of 12-15 inches caught on live shrimp and Pompano lures like the Goofy Jig.

Flounder have made a great showing this month. Keeper flatties from 12 inches up to about 20 inches were commonplace, with some anglers landing 3 or more in a session.

Gag Grouper were caught in November on Pier 60. Although the season to keep Gags was only open the first half of the month, a couple of keepers were taken. Numerous smaller fish were caught and released. One young angler was able to fight and release a 20-incher on his light spinning outfit, and that is a lot of pulling on a light rod and young 10 year-old arms!

Ten year old William catches a Bonnet Head Shark while visiting Pier 60 from Wisconsin.

The Spotted Sea Trout closure for November and December continues. There are a lot of Trout around the pier at night, with some fish seen that easily went longer than 24 inches. You can still fish for Spotted Sea Trout, but they must be released. They tend to swallow a J-hook, and don’t do well unless they are handled delicately. My advice is to use circle hooks, and unhook them at the rail without touching the fish. Use pliers. You don’t want the Spotted Sea Trout to flop around on the concrete and lose their slime coat. It will probably kill the fish needlessly.

Sand Sea Trout have made a good showing here in recent weeks. Looking like its cousin minus the spots, there is no size or bag limit.

Silver Trout appear in schools around the pier after dark, and can be taken on squid, shrimp, or lures. These fish have been running 10-12 inches. Along with them we have seen lots of Silver Perch. Small, shiny silver, and tasty, they are known to crackers as Butterfish. Try some, and you’ll find out why.

The Whiting have been biting fairly well. When we have seen them, they have been larger than the summer fish, and many have the tan and brown coloration seen this time of year.

There have been a lot of Sharks in the waters surrounding Pier 60 this month. Bull Sharks, BlackTip Sharks, and Bonnethead Sharks were the most commonly seen.

Weather patterns in December vary local conditions widely. As cold fronts press into the area, winds blow towards the advancing front. Fishing can be great as the fish know what comes next. The front arrives with a change of wind, strong squall lines, and tremendous white-caps clear to the horizon. Temperatures plummet, and the fishing becomes poor, except for Saltwater Catfish. After the front passes, things warm up, and the fishing gets better in a couple of days.

Pier 60 will be closed on Christmas Day. Happy Holidays and Good Luck Fishing!