October is the time to get the blues. Not getting depressed but catching the hard fighting blue fish that school in our waters this time of year. These hard fighting tackle busters can be caught on a variety of baits, lures and tackle. Dog Island Reef is a sure bet and it can be fished with a small boat depending on conditions. Live bait such as a scaled sardines or cigar minnows will produce big strikes, but drifting strip bait will do the job just as well. Blues have sharp teeth, so a substantial leader might be a good idea. Try a 2/0 long shank hook with a 50 lb. mono leader on 10 lb. spin and these fish will be great fun. They run the beaches, so surf cast a chunk of mullet just beyond the sand bar and hang on! This time of year schools arrive to feed on the newly hatched fry and bay anchovies coming out of the bay and sound. These strong tasting fish they are really good to smoke but give this a try…Put a skinless filet in a broiler pan and coat the top with mayonnaise. Broil the fish until the top starts to brown. You can use this technique on other fish and once you have tried it you’ll be a believer.
Gag grouper in Franklin County waters is picking up as the water turns from rain water to sea water again. The flats are in the same boat as far as the salinity is concerned but the fish are moving. The weather is improving and the fish are responding.
I’m reminded on a regular basis that there is knowledge and information about fish and fishing from many areas. Our fishing culture cuts across all social and economic classes. Recently, I saw a beautiful Carolina style offshore boat at one of our marinas and just had to take a closer look at her. The owner was on board and we immediately struck up a conversation about catching wahoo out around the S Tower. He gave me some strong insight on how troll for them. Later that day I ran into a guy that is a wade fisherman on the flats between Carrabelle and East Point. As we talked he gave me some pointers on the type of lures to throw at trout that were chasing finger mullet. Both of these guys came from different backgrounds but had information that gave me more insight on how to fish different waters. Be open and chat it up with all kinds of fisherman. These fellows and I are always ready to talk fish’n.
Good luck and be safe out there.
CAPT. CHESTER REESE
Natural World Charters
(850) 228-9060
www.naturalworldcharters.com