Fall fall fall! The time of year every inshore guide loves to see come around. Outside temperatures are cooler, there are less people around and fish are getting happier as water temps are dropping. There’s still tons of bait around as well, so typically fish will be feeding off and on all day long.
Earlier mornings in shallow are great as redfish and trout will be pushed up hunting for shrimp first thing each morning. Focus in 1-2 feet of water near any bayou or creek because these areas will hold more bait. I still like throwing a top-water during this time, but mostly a 3 inch shrimp pattern soft plastic or paddle tail works great bumping along the bottom; pearl white, gumbo or molting color works well here.
Redfish will also begin to school in large groups in October, on or near some of the grass flats staging for their winter run offshore. Look for large disturbances on the surface or bait balls getting blasted. Throwing top-waters like a Rapala Skitterwalk will work great but a ¼ or ½ ounce Johnson gold spoon works best.
The beaches should also start to clear up this time of year and large pompano will usually start cruising the beaches as water temps cool. Try using a 1/2- to 3/8-ounce pink or yellow & pink pompano bucktail jig for these guys.
CAPT. JORDAN TODD
Saltwater Obsessions
850-227-6550