There’s a Big Difference Between Not Aggressive and Not Feeding

The cooler air temperatures are nice, right? Cooler air temperatures always equate to cooler water temperatures, and after the heat wave we experienced in the summer of 2023 it has certainly been a welcome change. I made the comment to a group of anglers the other day as we eased over the side of the boat, that in the fall we will experience some drastic changes in the days between frontal passages. This is especially true with the first three or four significant fronts we receive each fall.

As fall gives way to winter, colder water patterns will begin to settle in and the changes in frontal recovery are not as drastic. Right now, we are seeing high pressure setting in, accompanied by higher temperatures. The high temperatures, which are in the mid- to upper-80s in Rockport, create rapidly warming water temperatures in our back lakes and on shallow flats. This week for instance, I saw a 10° rise in water temperature over a three-day period.

There is little science to back up my beliefs that I am about to lay down, but I notice a decline in activity and the size trout I catch when we experience warming trends such as this just prior to the arrival of winter. Last week, when water temperatures were in the mid-60s, we noticed an increase in the size and numbers of trout that we caught each morning. The intensity of the bite and the attitude of the trout was totally different from what we saw prior to the drop in water temperatures. We did have very good weather conditions with heavy overcast skies, light NE winds and a Minor Feeding period during the morning hours. Then, as the week progressed and water temperatures began to rise, we began to encounter a much tougher bite and much smaller fish.

Now, it is true that the Minor Feed period had slid into the afternoon hours, but we did have a Major coming into play in the morning. For three days we discussed as we fished my thoughts on why this pattern seems to play out for us each year and how predictable it can be. My belief is that drops in water temperature coinciding with reducing hours of daylight triggers instinctive moods in trout. It is possible that this happens similarly with other gamefish species, but given that my most frequently targeted species is trout, that is what my beliefs are based upon.

For years I have referred to this phenomenon as a “feeding up” period. In other words, conditions that signal trout to make the most of the conditions, which results in greater feeding intensity. Again, no science, but I have no doubt that mature trout behave and feed differently than juvenile trout. I liken it to 5^th graders not hanging out with 1^st graders, and for the most part this is typically true of trout. Now there are extreme situations when the entire population is forced by nature to reside in the same area, but it is not the norm.

Each year I look forward to the cool down, but I also know that during those first few fronts we will see extremes in warming between the fronts, and this can create some tough feeds. The plus to all this is that these periods are very short and more severe fronts are sure to arrive soon, and with them the best trout fishing of the year will begin. So, what do you do when you experience the in-between periods and your trout bite turns tough?

Once the waters cool into the 70s I am always looking to throw some type of suspending lure. No doubt I am huge MirrOlure, Texas Customs, and Custom Corky fan, based on my relationship with all involved, but also because these companies produce lures in color patterns that are specifically created for our Middle and Lower coast. We have lots of clear water and periods where we need lures that fish are comfortable with. I am big on baits with clear bodies that include subdued but distinct amounts of flash. I like some rattle but don’t want too much in the clear stuff. I like lures I can cast great distances due to the nature of the clear waters in which I fish most often. The more “water time” my lure sees on a cast the greater my chances of bringing the lure in front of the right targets.

All the suspending baits allow anglers to become creative with the cadence in which they work the lure. Not every cowboy or cowgirl two-steps the same. This cowboy doesn’t two-step at all, so it’s a miracle I can impart any rhythm at all to my lures. Have you seen Steve Martin in The Jerk, trying to snap his fingers and stomp his foot at the same time? That is pretty much me in the rhythm department. Anyway, the point is we can get more creative when we have tools that allow for creativity.

Last week, the Custom Corky Fat Boy and Soft-Dine were dynamite in 63° water. These lures can be kept in the strike zone and hover in the water column longer than many others, which increases the chances of trout seeing them. It is extremely important for the angler to be able to establish the pattern in which the fish want the lure presented, and then be able to duplicate that presentation. I struggle at times to control my emotions, even to this day, when I know I have bigger trout in front of me. I get all amped up and sometimes begin to work the lure too aggressively. It’s a good problem to have but you must be careful and stay focused on each bite if you want to have the chance to experience the best that the day can offer.

As the waters warm and the tough bite syndrome begins to set in, I focus on fishing areas where I know fish live. It’s true that a food source and preferred bottom structure needs to be in place but there are areas where trout will set up and camp out during these periods. They are usually areas where the trout can easily access the preferred bottom structure and where bait will also be reliably present. I find that trout like to setup or stage on slightly deeper drops out in front of shallow flats or shoreline drains. Both are terrific feeding areas prior to and during frontal passages, so it makes sense to me that the trout would not want to venture too far from easy and predictable feeding areas and feeding opportunities.

For these areas I will most often opt to throw soft plastics. MirrOlure Lil John XLs and 5” Provokers are go-to lures for me, as are the 5” Bass Assassins. During the toughest of weather patterns, which for the fall are most often calm, clear, and hot days, I like the Provoker best. I believe it has a little more tail action and has a softer feel in the trout’s mouth. I am stubborn at times and try to force feed them what I want them to eat, which can sometimes lead to failure. However, among my anglers some will have Down South, Z Man, JZ Lures and KWigglers, so the fish have a variety to look at and we can then mimic the success of others in the group that we are not achieving ourselves.

I like to present my plastics low in the when column when I sense that the bite is off. I even like to lightly dust the bottom with short, deliberate twitches when searching for non-interested fish. You notice I said “non-interested” and not “non-feeding.” I honestly believe that I can make them eat IF I can keep the lure in front of them long enough.

If you do not believe this then your mental game needs some work. If you fish with me, you have likely heard me state numerous times throughout our day which level of the water column has been producing bites for me. It is critical to be able to recognize these subtle clues in order to be able to repeat them. Yesterday the fish wanted the lure right on the bottom, even on the shallow flats. I interpret this as fish exhibiting non-aggression, but not non-feeding. Had they had been unwilling to eat we would not have caught any.