October On The Water
As water temperatures begin to drop off our coast, schools of baitfish make their migration south through area waters. Many game or predator fish are on the move south as well. Combined with our resident fish, October presents good fishing for a variety of species.
You can fish for a specific species or just in the mix of a feeding frenzy where you might be surprised what you hook into. At times, a host of fish are ganged up on the same bait pod, it’s common to catch a half dozen or more different species from one area. It’s likely that larger fish are lurking as well, keep a heavy rod rigged and ready for that cobia, tarpon, shark, or whatever else might make a presence. While targeting a specific species of fish can become challenging and often frustrating, taking advantage of whatever might be feeding will give you plenty of action and fun. Plus, that elusive fish that you were targeting might just show up when least expected.
Offshore, look for bait balls from just off the beaches, out into the gulf about as far as you dare to travel. Birds are the best indicator to locate the schools; watch for terns, gulls, or other birds grouped up and dipping into the water. Look for what appears as rain (baitfish) on the water, watch for feeding activity and the torpedo shapes of mackerel skyrocketing from the water. Artificial reefs are some of the best areas to concentrate your efforts. It’s common to catch king and Spanish mackerel near the surface or drop a bait to the bottom for snapper and grouper. If you’re running further offshore for grouper or snapper, check, and double check regulations. They are constantly changing when seasons are open and closed.
Inshore, watch for the same key signs when over open water or grass flats. Also, a pod of dolphin hanging around an area is a great indicator of fish. Along shorelines and areas of shallower water you will also notice schools of nervous bait and possibly fish busting them at the surface. This is where you can expect to catch snook, redfish, snapper, and some big trout. Don’t ignore mullet schools, there is almost always something hungry and often big, either mixed in or hanging around the perimeter of the schools. Large trout and redfish look for food flushed out from the schooling mullet, and there is the possibility of a large shark cruising around the perimeter of the schools, often in only a few feet of water. If you are a wade fisherman, take note and keep your eyes open.
As inshore water temperatures drop, big redfish will devour anything in their path. Often there may be several hundred or more working across the shallows on an eating mission. Fishing for big reds will peak in October as they begin their migration offshore once the first strong cold front of the season drops down from the north. Exactly when that will be only time will tell, if the weather remains mild the big fish can entertain us throughout the entire month.
This is a good time for catching snook across the inshore waters. Fish for them around structure, shorelines, island points, and oyster bars with good tide movement. Often many are schooled together where it’s possible to hook a dozen or more from the same spot. Inshore mangrove snapper fishing was good through the summer and tapered off through September. Most make their way offshore as waters cool down. Artificial reefs and ledges or hard bottom in depths from 30 to 50 feet are prime snapper habitat. Also, fishing in and around the gulf passes is always a good bet for snapper. Live shrimp with light tackle is the best way to go, and if you are anchored, a chum block is a great idea. Snapper are school fish, if you catch one expect more. Always have a heavier rig in the rod holder with a live flatlined bait. You never know when a big cobia or some other species might come into play. Last year was a good one for sheepsheads and we should begin to see them later in the month. As they move in there could be some big ones mixed in with the snapper offshore and around the passes. Sheepsheads will not eat any type of fish, live or dead, shrimp is the go-to bait for most anglers.
Stay up to date with fishing regulations for areas you fish by visiting http://www.myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish. October is one of the best months to fish. With great weather and not a lot of fishing pressure, we can expect days where fish are hungry and aggressive. If you are fishing or just spending time on the water this is a great month. For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www. fishpineisland.com, email: [email protected]. Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 28 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
