I have to admit, the few times I was able to fish Deerpoint in September, the bite was tough! Out of three trips to the lake, I caught just a handful of bass and got skunked one day. No worries though, with October upon us, the temps will be dropping and fish will put the feed-bag on, however, I suspect it will be the later part of the month before we start to see a significant change to the summer doldrums.
Once water temps get down in the 70’s, fish will start to move out of the thick grass hideouts, but for now, targeting the thick mats with a punch-rig will still get good bites. A buzzing frog and other top-water baits will be effective, especially in the early mornings.
Buzz-baits should really come into play as the water cools, so give one a try; I have the best luck using one with a gold blade and black skirt. Be sure to attach a stinger hook because without it, short-striking fish will shake loose with ease.
The late part of the month will be a great time to start targeting crappie. Using your sonar, survey deeper creek channel swings in Ecofina and Bear creeks for shad and other bait. If you don’t see some activity below, I suggest you keep looking until you do before fishing. Live minnows slow-trolled at different depths is always your best bet.
Good fishing and God bless.
CAPT. RANDY “C-NOTE” CNOTA
C-note Charters
Panama City, FL
cnotecharters.com
(229) 834-7880