Kayak Fishing: Oct. 2021

By Brian Nelli  Contributing Writer

Nicole with a nice mahi.

INSHORE: The mullet bait run is upon us. Snook, tarpon, redfish, and trout will all be cooperating this month. Matching the hatch will be your best bet during this time. Super Spooks, D.O.A. Bait Busters, and anything that has the shape of a mullet will be the go to baits while kayak fishing. With the presence of so much mullet bait, the thought then goes to how do I get my lure to be the one that gets hit. I like trying to go with colors that stand out in the pack. Try dark or bright colors to get the attention away from the group of bait.  Focus your cast on the edges of the mullet bait schools and you will do well.

Wayne with a good sailfish.

OFFSHORE: The shallow fall dolphin run should start to take effect this month, giving anglers who are kayak fishing a better shot at them. Look for them to start moving into the more attainable depths of 100-250 feet of water. Another thing to get excited about is the snapper bite. Look to target mutton snapper and yellowtail snapper in 60-100 feet of water. I love using mullet this time of year for both bottom fishing and trolling. It is readily available and a great hardy bait to keep alive while kayak fishing.

FRESHWATER: The peacock bass and clown knife fishing will really be taking off in the coming months. Look to fish structure like bridges to find the bite. Live shiners are always the go to bait, but during this time don’t overlook a finger mullet as well. Mullet will survive in the freshwater long enough for them to be crushed by a hungry peacock bass or largemouth bass. Finally, as an artificial option try using D.O.A. Jerk Baits or Rat-L-Traps to entice a bite.

Brian Nelli

www.tckayakfishing.com • 772.201.5899 • Brian@tckayakfishing.com

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