Water Temperature & Weather Pattern – Charlotte Harbor Update

A Strong Cold Front Changed Everything

A powerful mid-November cold front moved through Southwest Florida and dropped water temperatures by over 10 degrees, which is a major shift for Punta Gorda and Boca Grande fishing charters.

Stabilizing Toward the Week’s End

By the end of the week, temps rebounded into the low 70s, and I was able to cast-net live bait again around Charlotte Harbor and Gasparilla Sound.

Weather Outlook (Next 10 Days)

• Highs in the 80s

• Sunny, stable weather

• Light winds ideal for inshore charters

Best Baits & Tactics This Week

Live Shrimp – Top Performer

Live shrimp worked extremely well after the cold front shake-up.

Shrimp on Jigheads

Perfect for redfish and sheepshead around mangroves, oyster bars, and docks.

Shrimp Under a Popping Cork

The trout bite was best with a live shrimp suspended under a popping cork over grass flats in 2–4 feet of water.

Soft Plastics – Berkley Dragon Tail

When shrimp ran low (thanks to pinfish!), the Dragon Tail produced consistent action for both redfish and trout.

About Those Pinfish…

The cold snap wasn’t enough to push them deep, so if you’re fishing shrimp on the flats:

Important Tip:

Buy more shrimp than you think you need.
Pinfish will steal a lot of baits this time of year.

What’s Biting in Mid-November — Punta Gorda & Boca Grande

Snook

Snook moved deeper into channels, creek mouths, and structure. Once temps warmed, live bait produced several solid fish.

Redfish

Still holding steady on the flats from Punta Gorda to Boca Grande. Shrimp on a jighead was extremely reliable this week.

Spotted Seatrout

Active across grass flats in 2–4 feet. The popping cork technique with a live shrimp continues to be a top producer.

Sheepshead

Beginning their winter push inshore around docks, pilings, and rocky structure.

Pompano

Early signs appear along sandy drop-offs and channel edges — especially closer to Boca Grande.

Tarpon

The season is effectively over, but a few resident fish might still be hanging around the Harbor.

Late-November Inshore Outlook for Southwest Florida

Expect Consistent Action

With warm, calm weather ahead, fishing across Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, and Boca Grande should stay strong.

What to Expect

• Live bait should become more available and the fish should eat it very well

• Increasing sheepshead activity

• Reds and trout staying on the flats

• Snook remaining active in deeper troughs and may start moving back on the flats as water temperature rise

• Better pompano opportunities as temps stay stable

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Ready to Fish Punta Gorda & Boca Grande? Book Your Charter Today

Experience Southwest Florida’s Best Inshore Fishing

Whether you’re staying in Punta Gorda, Boca Grande, or anywhere around Charlotte Harbor, now is the perfect time to get out on the water. From snook and redfish to trout, sheepshead, and pompano, fall provides some of the most consistent and exciting fishing of the year.

Why Choose ReelFishing Charters?

• Local, experienced charter captain

• Family-friendly trips perfect for all skill levels

• Fishing the heart of Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound & Boca Grande

• Comfortable boat, quality gear, and hands-on instruction

• Year-round action on the flats, mangroves, and deeper channels

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Get on the Water

Prime tide days fill fast,  especially during holiday weeks. If you’re planning a trip or you live locally, now is a great time to secure your preferred date.

Call or Book Online

Visit: ReelFishing.com
Call/Text: 941-628-6869
Captain Danny Latham – ReelFishing Charters