Doc on November Fishing

Good news: The fall fishing magic that has mesmerized Mississippi Gulf Coast anglers for weeks now will continue uninterrupted for at least another month. Though coastal migratory pelagic species like Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle and cobia are beating a hasty retreat for warmer climes even as we speak, there are plenty of resident gamesters that will stick around to take up the slack.

Red drum that began to move into the waters of Mississippi Sound in numbers last month will continue to mill about nearshore flats to test the mettle of light tackle enthusiasts coast-wide. Soaking a dead natural bait on the bottom is the time-honored way to hook up with one of these bruisers, but purists will be happy to know that fall reds will strike artificials almost equally well. The gold Johnson Sprite or Chandeleur Special spoon is a favorite among redfish specialists for good reason. Cast into weedy shallows and jigged off the bottom using a whip-retrieve, a gold spoon is irresistible to any reds cruising in search of an easy meal. As an added bonus, the Sprite spoon is also attractive to Spotted Seatrout, the costar of November saltwater gamesters.

With the ever-increasing interest in fly fishing, it is appropriate to note that an epoxy glass-minnow pattern will also prove most effective in catching both trout and reds this time of year. Clouser minnows too are a good choice for the long- rod aficionado in search of nearshore action with either of these gamesters.

As water temperatures decline with each passing day, trout and reds as well as flounders and the rest of the nearshore entourage will begin a gradual movement to deeper, warmer overwintering lies. Not until the passage of the first sure 'nough cold front will this procession begin in earnest though. In the meantime, the fish will continue a heavy feeding schedule as they fatten up for the coming lean months.

Fishing action will be predictably good all month long in both bay and backwater venues as well as along the front beaches and barrier island shores and passes. In fact, there will be little to distinguish the fishing conditions from those of last month. Notable though will be improved action with striped bass in area bays and backwaters and an increase in night-time fishing success as more and more fish concentrate in and around well-lighted habors and yacht basins.

Over the years you have heard me rant and rave about the virtues of the 52-M- 11-FGO Mirrolure for catching trout during the early spring. The orange and white slow-sinker has accounted for more fish on my stringer that time of the year than any other plug in my arsenal. Equally effective in its time and place is the silver and black Countdown Rapala. And its time is now. A superb night- time presentation, the Countdown can indeed be counted on for good results with trout feeding under the lights. The plug's unique ability to fish at any depth from only inches below the surface to six feet or so allows the fisherman to effectively work much of the water column. Moreover, the plug's slow, enticing wobble makes it one of the best wounded fish imitators I have ever seen. Tie one on the end of your line, and see for yourself.

For striper action, the lower reaches of the Biloxi and Tchoutacabouffa Rivers offer prime hunting. Casting a silver Rattle Trap into the current and allowing it to pass over a ridge or sandbar will oftentimes result in a bone-jarring strike from one of these premiere gamefish. And casting silver topwater plugs like Rapalas and Rebels at night under the lights of a bridge can bring equally impressive results. Then, of course, one can always scout the backwaters in search of menhaden or shad schools that have been driven to the surface by stripers feeding from below. Cast to the edge of such schools with a silvery bait, and hang on. While school stripers may only average a couple of pounds, there are enough fish in the five to ten-pound classes and even larger to keep things interesting. A twenty pound striped bass on the end of your medium- action baitcast or spinning outfit would be interesting indeed, don't you think?