November 2026 Fishing Report: Everything Is Biting in Boca Grande & Punta Gorda

November is shaping up to be an excellent month on the water. Right now it feels like everything is biting, from the inshore flats and mangrove shorelines of Charlotte Harbor to the nearshore waters of the Gulf.

We’ve just had a ton of late-season rain, and a few cold fronts are on the way. I think that combination is going to make November very good. If you read our October fishing report, you know the fall bite was already building. Now it’s coming together across the board.

If you want in on it, you can fish with us out of Boca Grande or Punta Gorda.

Redfish continue to be very good. There are still a few schools around, but they’ll begin to break up as the month goes on. Right now we’re finding plenty of nice fish scattered throughout Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound and Pine Island Sound.

Live pinfish and sardines have been the best baits. As the schools break up, expect more scattered fish and more variety in where we find them. That’s a big reason November is such a fun month for inshore fishing.

If redfish are on your list, check out our redfish fishing charters page.

Snook are making their annual migration back inshore, and the fishing is improving week by week. I’ve been able to put up some really good numbers lately, and I expect that trend to continue as the weather cools.

Live sardines and pinfish have been working best. As more fish settle into their winter patterns around the backcountry, mangrove shorelines and protected waters, the opportunities should keep growing.

Want to target them? Learn more about our snook fishing charters.

Speckled trout fishing has really improved with the cooler temperatures. I’ve caught some really nice fish and I’m seeing great numbers.

Live sardines have been the best producer. If the cold fronts roll in like we expect, the trout fishing around Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound should stay strong. It’s a fast-paced bite that’s great for families and anglers of all experience levels.

For a closer look at everything we target in the harbor, see our inshore fishing charters.

The tarpon season isn’t over yet. I’ve been seeing some pretty good numbers, so anglers who still want a shot at a silver king have time.

Live ladyfish and pinfish have been the best baits. Cold fronts will eventually bring the season to a close, so if tarpon are on your bucket list, don’t wait too long. To learn about our peak season, visit our Boca Grande tarpon fishing page.

The nearshore bite has started to turn on. We’re seeing lots of Spanish mackerel, some nice tripletail and a few kingfish.

As the month goes on and we get a few cool fronts, the nearshore fishing should keep improving. It gives us another great option on days when the weather cooperates. Learn more about our nearshore fishing charters.

November gives us a lot of options. We can spend the morning working mangrove shorelines for snook, fish the grass flats for trout, look for redfish around Gasparilla and Pine Island Sound, or run nearshore for mackerel and tripletail.

Here’s what I’m watching:

• Cold fronts: A few are expected, and I think they’ll improve the bite across the board.
• Redfish: Schools will break up, with fish scattering throughout the harbor.
• Snook and trout: Both should keep getting better.
• Nearshore: Mackerel, tripletail and kingfish should improve with each front.
• Tarpon: Still around, but the window will close as it cools.

For the bigger picture of how our fishery changes this time of year, read our Fall Fishing in Boca Grande & Punta Gorda: September–November Guide. You can also browse all our fishing reports.

What fish are biting in Boca Grande and Punta Gorda in November?

Almost everything. Redfish, snook and speckled trout are all producing inshore, tarpon are still around, and the nearshore bite is turning on with Spanish mackerel, tripletail and a few kingfish.

What is the best bait for fishing in November?

Live pinfish and sardines have been the best for redfish and snook. Live sardines have been the top choice for speckled trout, and live ladyfish and pinfish have been working best for tarpon.

Is tarpon fishing still good in November?

Yes. The season isn’t over, and I’ve been seeing pretty good numbers around Boca Grande. Cold fronts will eventually end it, so book soon if tarpon is on your list.

Do cold fronts make the fishing better?

Usually, yes. Cooler water improves the snook and trout bite, and the nearshore fishing for mackerel, tripletail and kingfish gets better as fronts come through. We fish around the weather and will help you pick the best day.

Where do you fish in November?

We fish Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, Pine Island Sound and the nearshore Gulf. Choose Boca Grande fishing charters or Punta Gorda fishing charters based on where you want to depart and what you want to target.

With redfish, snook, trout, tarpon and nearshore fishing all in play, November is a great time to get out on the water. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just want a great day of fishing with family and friends, Capt. Danny Latham will put the trip together around what’s biting and the conditions that day.

Book your trip or call to check availability.

ReelFishing Charters
Capt. Danny Latham
941-628-6869