Fall is in the air and it’s my favorite time of year. Not only for a break in the humidity, but the fall fishing really gets going this time of year. With the water temperatures slowly dropping, all the offshore and inshore species will be a lot more active.
Due to the tropical storm in September, the winds and tides have stirred up the Gulf waters. On recent offshore charter trips, I have found good water clarity starting in about 30 feet. Once I find clearer water, I look for spots I’ve marked on my GPS in the area and start fishing these areas.
The gag grouper and white grunt bite has been getting better every day with the water getting more stable. Look for these fish to be around some type of structure. With the dirtier water, they will want to have security and find their food source near these structures. As the water gets cooler, look for the red grouper to start coming in from deeper water. They can be caught in the same areas as the gag grouper. Live, frozen bait or fresh cut baits will work great in getting these fish to bite. I also like to start catching some grunts before dropping for grouper. Another little tip, try cutting up some baits and start chumming up the area before you drop down. It never hurts to get a little feeding frenzy going to get the fish curious. The stone crabbers will also be starting to put their traps out this month. These traps are like thousands of chum blocks being spread out over the entire region, which will attract fish into these areas.
Inshore fishing will really turn on this month. Look for redfish, snook and trout anywhere around the spoil islands to the back waters. On calm water days, try using a top water bait with a “walk the dog” presentation. Once you get a handle on this retrieve and an explosive strike, you’ll be hooked on top water baits. My other baits of choice are swim/twitch baits by Rapala, Mirrodines or plastic jerk baits on a ¼-ounce jig-head bounced on the bottom.
If you can find the hungry, or even better, the fish that didn’t go to school that day, I promise you will catch fish. In the picture above is a nice barracuda we caught on a recent charter.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family!