October is here and so is my favorite time to fish. The month of October has many significant meanings to many of us such as a changing of seasons, Halloween, football and my favorite the “fall mullet run”. This fall mullet run consist of countless fingerling mullet that migrate into our region. Mullet are the top bait that predator fish such as trout, redfish, and snook feed on. As most locals know, catching these predator fish during this event can be amazing.
To begin with, anglers can expect for the early morning bite to be its best in our inshore waters. Small noisy topwater lures such as Heddon Saltwater Super Spook, JR. (redfish or golden shiner) will work very well along the flats. When using this lure, anglers will want to follow a simple approach when targeting trout. This approach consists of making long accurate cast to a targeted area and fishing the bait as quietly as possible. This is especially true when fishing during calm conditions. One of the best ways to do so is to fish in 3 to 4 feet of water along the flats. Anglers will want to concentrate their time fishing near schools of baitfish or ambush sites such as old dock pilings or other structure. Retrieving your bait slowly with a “walk the dog” side to side motion will be ideal when targeting a hungry fish. Many of these trout that are caught during this time of year will have an average length of 17 inches with some fish measuring 20 plus inches.
Have you ever seen a redfish feed on topwater lures or bait? Typically reds are known to be bottom feeders. However, with the large migration of bait fish into our region, many of these reds will be feeding on the water’s surface. Anglers will find that fishing baits near schools of finger mullet can be very rewarding. During this time of year, many of these reds can measure above the legal slot size limit of 18 to 27 inches.
In addition, the snook bite will also be good. Snook will aggressively feed on mullet, live shrimp, pinfish, or bright colored scented jerk baits. Rigging these baits onto a 7-foot medium action spinning reel combo equipped with 20-pound test braided line and 25-pound test mono leader will work well. Snook have been known to feed along mangrove shorelines with steep drop-offs, boat docks, and even bridge fenders that are lit up at night. Targeting them during low light conditions or at night under a full moon (October 5) will be best.
Capt. Keith Mixon
Mixin’ Work With Play Fishing Charters
www.mixinworkwithplay.com
321-212-8484