It always takes a few weeks to adjust to the colder weather and adapt to the changing patterns of your cooler season target species. It's much more difficult for the majority of us to try and relate to wild animals who struggle for day to day survival. They are cold blooded, they can't go to the grocery store or turn the heat up or add a layer of clothes. Two of their main objectives are comfort and food. They eat less as the water gets colder and they have to find water that insures their survival.
This is applicable to many species but we'll keep it at Redfish and trout. As we move to colder water temps, I don't rush out the door for first light fishing. That doesn't mean nice catches can't or won't occur early morning or late evening. But I have found that periods of high sun and low water can be very productive. Dark, soft bottom areas will become my go to in backwaters. High flow mid range (to inlets) or areas of high water flow and max sun on beach front points. For Redfish I line muddy bats that hold oysters and receive alot of sunlight through the course of a day. For trout I prefer tidal creeks that will hold 4-7' of water with a darker softer bottom.
Also as the tide falls out the water can warm up significantly, especially at times of high sun. Also focusing on banks that receive more sun and have moving water can lead to more productive outings. You might have to slow your retrieve or add scent. Longer casts might also need to be included in that strategy. Anything that adds stealth can be a tremendous asset. I personally do not use anchors. I use a stick it pin. I try and travel with the tide in as minimally invasive methods as possible. Finesse lures or weedless 1/16 oz jigs may even be employed. I will use these types of soft plastics as search baits. Then I may switch to mirrolures or other suspending twitch baits. Again I believe that in particular these cold months coming up, scent and subtlety can be very valuable.
I do alot of kayak fishing in these colder months, I believe this method forces me to break down an area and really study it, as well as offers an unparalleled stealth that can be key to these smaller quieter areas. When I use my boat I am very careful to approach with stealth and will try and fish from max distance. Which can be far more important in such scenarios and I these quieter months. Perhaps next post will focus on gear a little more. In summary, find areas that warm up and hold bait. Then plan your approach and use distance as your friend. Try to move indigenously remembering that your boat and kayak displace water when they sit or move.
Tight lines!