Reported by Capt. Chris Martin . . .
November ushers in cooler temperatures, creating the perfect conditions for fly fishing in the Port O’Connor and Seadrift back lakes and the surrounding saltwater marshes. As the cooler weather sets in, fish are becoming more active, offering exciting opportunities for anglers to enjoy some productive days on the water.
Fishing Conditions: As the tides fall, anglers should focus their efforts on areas along the grass shorelines where deep water access over the grass flats is present. These pockets of deeper water are where fish are likely to gather, especially as the tide recedes. The falling tide offers an excellent opportunity to access fish that are feeding in these deeper areas. Pay attention to the tide shifts for optimal fishing conditions.
Fly Fishing Tips: This month, the purple saddle hackle with a black brush has been a standout fly pattern. It has proven to be highly effective for attracting a variety of species in these marshes. Rigging this fly with a medium gold bead chain is key, as it adds just enough weight to get the fly into the feeding zone without getting tangled in the grass.
The purple saddle hackle provides a striking flash of color that is visible even in murky water, while the black brush adds a lifelike movement that makes it irresistible to fish. The gold bead chain helps the fly sink quickly into deeper waters where the fish are concentrated, ensuring it stays at the perfect depth for a bite.
Target Species: Redfish, sheepshead, and occasional black drum are present in good numbers throughout the back lakes and marshes. As the water cools, these species become more active, increasing the chances for a successful outing. The combination of the cooler temperatures and falling tides makes for excellent fishing conditions for these species.
Final Thoughts: This is a fantastic time to fish the Port O’Connor and Seadrift areas. With cooler weather and falling tides creating favorable conditions, anglers are likely to find plenty of action. Focus on deep water areas over the grass flats and keep the purple saddle hackle with gold bead chain rig handy for your best shot at success. As always, practice catch and release to ensure the sustainability of these waters for generations to come. Happy fishing!