by Capt. Brian Boxx
October is my favorite month in Southwest Florida. The air is light and sweet when you take your first deep breath and turn on your ignition key. As your hull glides across the glassy smooth surface of the open water, it is hard to tell where the sky and water meet in a perfect symphony of color and reflection. With the changing season comes sweet relief from the oppressive summer humidity. The overflow of advertisements for pumpkin spiced mocochoka what-nots brings one thing to mind-it is pumpkin season on our waters. By pumpkins, I mean the glorious red drum. They go by many nicknames: Spot Tails, Redfish, and Pennies to name a few. Whatever connotation, they are guaranteed to hit fast and pull hard.
The pilchards have been plentiful off the beaches in the early morning hours. Just look to the shoreline and find where the birds are gathering, feeding on shoals of baitfish. A quick well-placed throw of your cast net will fill the live-well and prepare you for your fishing expedition. Head back inshore and break out the Chum Dawg or your favorite live chumming tool to chum points and cuts near sharp drops to get the fish fired up. A strategically placed flat-lined pilchard will have you hooked up and rods bent in no time.
The Fall Mullet Run is in full swing and our migrating tarpon should be gracing us with their presence as they head back south. Look to the near-shore waters and focus on the bait pods for a shot at the Silver King. During the Spring, I like to use crab; however, during the fall migration, I find that his majesty’s palet is more prone to baitfish. Try netting some of the many three to eight-inch mullet running the beach, or Sabiki up some nice threadfins from the bait pods just off shore.
I wanted to take the time to thank everyone involved in the Take a Soldier Fishing Tournament. What an outstandingly well-organized event for such a great cause! As a veteran of the armed forces myself, it is amazing to see such a display of support to my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. As I stood amongst the banners and flags in a sea of smiling faces at weigh in, I was overcome with the immense feeling of patriotism and genuine gratitude that we, as a community have for our heroes. This was not just a tournament, this was an act of thanks, recognition, and devotion to our warriors. It is both humbling and exciting to see our community come together and allow our veterans to experience the majesty and beauty we are unbelievably lucky to call our home. Come on and get salty!
Capt. Brian Boxx is the owner/operator of Reel Salty Endeavours, a proud veteran owned and operated charter service. If you, your family, or guests are looking to get out on the water, contact him through his website, https://www.reelsaltyendeavours.com/contact-us/, Facebook at Reel Salty Endeavours, or call 904-866-5050.
