[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ctober will start the transformation into the patterns of fall fishing. Big schools of mullet will be making their journey south along the Treasure Coast beaches and into the inlets. Many species of fish will be following the big schools of mullet and making a meal of them. Big tarpon will be one of these fish following the mullet schools. The tarpon bite will be on, so get ready for a fight of a lifetime. These fish will be from the beach outward to a mile or two off the beach. Big tarpon are very strong fighters so you will need to use some heavier gear. I prefer an 8,000 size spinning reel on a seven-foot rod. You will want to use at least 50-pound braid with about 5-feet of 60-to-70-pound leader to withstand the fight of these fish and their rough boney mouth.
Gather up some big mullet along the beaches and then look for the tarpon rolling along the surface. Cast a lively mullet or a mullet like lure in front of the tarpon. When they find your offering, hold on! The fight of a tarpon can last quite a long time but after getting the fish boatside for a picture of two, please revive the fish for a safe release.
If you are looking for some dinner, net up some smaller mullet, commonly referred to as “finger mullet”, before heading out. They will be great bait for the mangrove snapper farther offshore. The snapper have been on a good bite since the bottom waters have warmed up. Look for the snapper around reefs and wrecks, out to 100 feet depths. You can either drop down a live finger mullet or chunk them up. These will be great baits to get the snapper bite turned on. These fish will be a good dinner and will make a great catch for any kids on board.
Be careful, have fun and enjoy your time on the water!