Red October is Upon Us!
Arguably the best time of year to target Redfish on Florida’s Gulf Coast is the month of October, mostly due to the spawning patterns and cooler water temps. The big bull reds will mostly be milling around the nearshore waters from 40 feet on in and will, often times, ball up in the passes like Johns and Egmont. But, fear not my fellow skinny water anglers, there will be stragglers and even large schools scouring the flats and river systems, as well.
Schools by the thousands are fairly easy to spot in the nearshore waters on a sunny day, or with the help of your sonar. Once you’ve found them, a large live shrimp is a safe choice, but they will eat a variety of baits, including artificials. I encourage all of you to get out there and try for your PB, and I implore you to make sure you thoroughly revive these fish, as they are responsible for the future of our fishery!
The shallow grass and sand flats will look like Cirque De Soleil as the sun comes up this month with schools of redfish stirring and mullet flying about the area. There is no better time to creep up in the skinny water and enjoy the show than October. Cooler and clearer water calls for lighter tackle and a quiet presentation. I like using 15-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0 circle, if I’m using live or cut bait or a 1/16th to 1/8th ounce jig head for artificials. Put your hard plastics back in the box and try a Q8 bait, or something similar that is scented to attract feeding fish to your bait. I like to cast way out in front of the schools and only start working the bait when they are nearby, because landing on or near the school could spook them.
When all of the actual pumpkin carving is done, get up early and visit the Nature Coast’s “pumpkin patch”, and find out why they call these fish BULL reds!
Captain Bill is a Florida native who grew up fishing the Gulf Coast. Being a proud Army Vet himself, he founded a charity called VetCatch that takes disabled veterans on cost free fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area. He guides out of New Port Richey fishing a 24-foot Shoalwater tower boat as well as the custom 25-foot VetCatch pontoon if needed for elderly/disabled fisherman. www.rustybucket.fish.