STEINHATCHEE

October is the start of the “good” fall fishing here in the Big Bend area.  Why?  The cool breeze begins to steadily drop the water temperature.  I imagine the little baitfish feel the change more acutely and pioneer southward, which draws the attention of both local and pelagic fish to respond by feeding, and/or moving.  Translation:  Fishing improves dramatically because the fish are motivated to eat; the cooler water increases activity—do you like being overly active in100 degree heat index—and the chuck wagon is headed south, so commence to follow or vittle-up while it is still around.

I’ve already seen bait pods from seven to thirty miles offshore.  Some of the pods were in the grip of a froth of predators and we enjoyed taking in bonita for fun and cut bait.  There is nothing as exciting as easing into a feeding frenzy, using light tackle and long tossing anything into the havoc, then getting line striped off a spool at sonic sound, and battling the fish back to the boat.  Whatever fish caught, it taught you how to fish or improved your skill set.  It does not matter if you care to run that fish through your GI tract; it is still worth it all.

Pelagic fish—Spanish mackerel, kingfish, etc.—will be tailing behind the bait pods headed south.  Hence, those are great areas to troll around or free-line live-bait.  Early in the morning and late in the evening, are best fishing times as sea conditions normally subside.  It is best to have equipment that can handle long runs with a smoooooth drag.  A wire leader may come into play, but try mono first, as wire tends to inhibit bite frequency.

Amberjack have returned in the aftermath of hurricane Irma.  Though out of season, due to over abundance, they are a thrill to catch.  Furthermore, if your sporting AJ’s, you have a good shot at a cobia.

The gag grouper bite will improve through the fall, as the bait migrates south and water temperature cools.  Many people think the gags move well offshore during the summer.  There is a bit of truth to that, because deeper water is cooler and more comfortable for the grouper.  However, there is a vast majority, that remain within recreational range.  Consider for the grouper, food availability is nothing more than a well-timed fish-yawn during the height of the bait season, so any bait we offer can be nothing more than a Lotto chance.  Yet in the latter part of the year, odds fall in our favor.  Grouper are more apt to eat, fatten-up, and the catch ratio improves.

It is time to ramp up and go fishing in Steinhatchee!