Transition zones are areas frequently traveled by sea life, much like busy highways we use to get to work every day. Inlets, canal entrances, channels, narrow openings to bays and flats, even a deep cut between two islands or sand bars can be a zone that fish use to get from one place to another. Many reasons cause them to travel these areas throughout their lives. Common motives are searching for food, mates or environmental conditions. Fish from large open areas will also be brought together by a "bottle neck" effect in the narrower transition zone.
With so many fish using transition zones on a regular basis, it becomes obvious that they make great fishing spots. By keying on them, you eliminate large amounts of water from your search. Next, consider the seasonal habits of a species you wish to catch. For example, snook spend the summer months spawning around the inlets and beaches. Therefore, inlets into the gulf would be transition zones worth trying. During the winter, they move into canals and rivers in search of warmer, more stable water. Try fishing a deeper channel up the skinny part of a river where the fish become "bottle
necked." By eliminating many of the transition zones on your map, you dramatically increase your chances of catching fish.
Sounds easy, doesn't it? Actually it is pretty simple! However, after locating a few good places, you will need to understand how fish relate to these zones in order to catch them. Try to visualize the area through the eyes of fish. Fish relate to structure of all kinds. Look for something that stands out from everything else. Maybe its a dock or jetty extending into the inlet, a sharp bend in the channel, or rock pile you notice on your sonar. Even the pillars of a bridge or deeper shorelines that allow fish access to mangroves and shade can act as holding points in transition zones. Fish relate to structure because it allows them a place to ambush prey, escape strong currents, and provide protection from larger predators. Finding structure will quickly allow you to determine if the area is productive for fishing.
What should you do when transition zones don't produce any fish? First, you must remember that patience is a vital quality in this sport. Some days the conditions are just not in your favor. Second, the productivity of an area can change by the minute, especially in tidal waters. Fish a transition zone you feel good about thoroughly, with different baits and presentations. However, keep yourself from spending too much time in one place, when you loose confidence, move on to the next zone. Furthermore, don't hesitate to return to an area later in the day, on the opposite end of the tide, or as the sun has fully risen in the sky. Often such environmental factors will increase the activity level of fish.
There are also times when fish will be in areas other than the transition zones described above. Don't let that stop you from using them in your search. For instance, if you know flats with lots of sea grass should hold fish at a particular time or season, then look over several flats that are closest to a transition zone; for example, an inlet or mouth of a canal. Once you find one or two with sea grass, start fishing. Fish that want to use flats as feeding grounds will usually move to such an area from a transition zone as the tide changes. With some species, you may have success in the summer fishing the outgoing tide in an inlet, then as the tide comes back in, the fish will head to the nearest flat while the water rises. Again, look for structure such as grass lines, mangroves, oyster bars, or a deep cut that allows fish to enter and exit the flat quickly. You don't have to always fish in the transition zone, but using it as a point of reference for finding larger populations of fish can help lead you to more productive areas.
From freshwater to saltwater, from north to south, transition zones have helped me locate fish in unfamiliar waters time and time again. Remember them the next time you are uncertain where to begin. Using them as a starting point will certainly help you find and catch more fish. Till next time, remember...a new world record may only be a cast away!
Keep on plugg'n!
Capt. George Howell
