The Subtle Changes of Fall 
As seen in Saltwater Angler
September 4, 2009 Edition
 
Although the heat and dry conditions seemed relentless this summer, the very subtle signs of the change of seasons are appearing every day.  Flights of blue-winged teal tell of an upcoming hunting season and fall soon to follow.  Large formations of white ibis are beginning to fly overhead.  A few white pelicans are arriving to dot the shorelines in the back lakes and the hummingbird migration has begun with a half-dozen tiny fighters working over the feeders in my backyard.  One of the most important and eagerly awaited signs of the change of season is the giant schools of redfish beginning to gather together for the migration to the gulf.
 
Major shorelines are being patrolled by anxious fishing guides now on a daily lookout for an opportunity to engage in a "redfish rodeo".  Always around early September, the bigger redfish begin to congregate.  It starts in the flats and moves out to the shorelines that travel to the Gulf.  Rockport anglers are on the lookout for these large groups of redfish gathering in the California Hole, along Traylor Island, Mud Island, the Super Flats, Quarantine Shoreline, Dagger Island and Mustang Island, just to name a few places. 

Muddy spots or strips in the water along a shoreline, bait showering, birds diving down and other signs of commotion or big areas of heavy moving water tell the boat driver to STOP and LOOK!  When approaching a herd of migrating redfish, it's very important to not run into them or right through them.  When in doubt, hang back a little and watch (if you can).  Try and understand which way they are travelling and how big the school is so that you can position your boat and anglers to catch a couple of these big red heavies.
 
If you get lucky enough to encounter a migrating pod of reds, toss a fly, gold spoon, plastic bait, topwater, spinner bait, croaker, mullet, dirty sock on a hook... you get the point, they will eat anything that lands within their midst!
 
Shallow water anglers are beginning to see more life in the lakes and back marshes as water levels rise slightly.  Topwater fishing has really picked up, especially in the early mornings before floating grasses make it hard to work them.  Fly anglers get ready for some of the best fishing of the entire year.  The added water levels and cooler mornings will start to let the fish know that there is a change a comin'.  Redfish and trout are going to be kicking it into higher gear from now on, especially since we've received some good quantities of rain!

Article by Capt. Sally
http://www.captainsally.com/