If you enjoy diversity in your saltwater fishing, then September is tough to beat. Before the first major cool fronts invade the coast, there’s a wide variety of pelagics that will be swimming within a short boat ride — or even paddle.
Among available species are Spanish and king mackerel, bluefish, cobia, mangrove snapper, sharks and jack crevalle.
The only two mangroves I’ve ever caught in the marsh came in September. Hooking onto a 20-inch mangrove on a clouser in a canal is definitely a thrill.
Then there’s tarpon. Your best shot for inshore poons comes this month, especially in the Biloxi Marsh and northern areas of Lake Borgne.
Perhaps the species that most coastal flycasters will be pursuing are bull reds. They’ll be schooling on beaches, passes, and interior lakes. Some years ago, my buddy Dugan Sabins and I encountered a large school of 10- to 15-pound fish in Catfish Lake. Hooking these on fly will wear you out quickly.
For all these species, it’s wise to bring at least a 9- or 10-weight outfit. Even that might be light, in some cases.
A floating fly line works, but an intermediate or sinking line works better, especially offshore.
Baitfish fly patterns are a solid recommendation.
In freshwater, redear sunfish come out of their summer doldrums and feed along shell flats or sandy shoals. Most of the feeding is near the bottom.
Fluff butts, Cap Spiders and nymphs tied on tungsten beads work best.
In Orleans and Jefferson parishes, the Rio Grande perch will make their final spawning rituals this month. Rios love foam spiders and slow-sinking spiders, as well as wooly buggers stripped slowly.
Catching one of the larger “brainiacs” on ultralight fly rod like a 3-weight should be on every fly angler’s bucket list.
