OUTDOORS: Fall is prime time for flounder fishing on the Suncoast

Thanks to Hurricane Sally, many days of cooling rains and cloud cover have preceded the autumnal equinox on the 22nd. This should really be a catalyst for the red fish spawn this fall with the shorter days and lower salinity.

Fall has always been prime time for flounder fishing here on the Suncoast. These delectable flatfish are not particularly tolerant of fresh or brackish water, so the recent rains should also help flush good number of them out of the rivers, creeks and canals.

Some of the best fall flattie fishing I've experienced has been on the nearshore artificial reefs. If you can get them, a couple of the best flounder baits are killifish (creek chubs) and small mud minnows (mojarras), hands down. For artificials, you cannot beat a slowly hopped lead-head jig with a grub or shad tail.

The flounder action should only improve from now right on up to the holidays. One concern is the seeming scarcity of flounder since the last red tide. It is one species that has lagged behind.

Charity fishing tournament

“Casting for the Kids,” a fishing tournament to benefit families battling pediatric cancer is slated for the weekend of Sept.25-26. The entry fee is $400 per vessel and 100% of the proceeds go to local families afflicted by pediatric cancer.

A captains meeting is slated on Friday, 9/25 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Alpine Steak House,4520 S.Tamiami Tr., Sarasota. The tourney will wind up at 3 p.m. Saturday. Evie's at Spanish Point will host the wrap-up event where there will be food, raffle items and a silent auction beginning at 2 p.m.

A hundred percent of the entry fee and donations are tax deductible through Dancing with Clayton Foundation(I.R.C.) 501(c)(3). If you would like to participate, get a registration form and rules, or have questions,  go to castingforthekids@gmail.com. or call Matthew at 941-809-3540.