by Liam Callaghan
October starts to bring with her a change up in the weather patterns for the Big Bend. Look for the mornings to start to cool o and the evening’s sun to begin to flick the switch a bit earlier. October is the start to some of the best fishing of the entire year. You will also notice beginning this month a change in the water clarity. e summer this year has given our area a record number of rainfalls, which has flooded our woods, swamps and rivers. is has created stained or tannin looking water that drains the areas river mouths and tributaries. Focus this month on large bait pods, locate bait and you will catch fish. Trout and red fish are in full feeding mode as they look to fatten up for the upcoming winter months. is is a great month to throw top water lures to these aggressive fish. The Heddon One Knocker or a Rapala Skitterwalk will get it done. Another hands down fantastic fall bait is the Mirrodine by Mirrolure. This is a sub-surface style of bait that mimics mid-size to smaller bait. Work this bait aggressively around oyster bars and grass lines to trigger that trophy catch.
The red fish bite out of Alligator Harbor and Lanark Village has been improving in the last couple weeks in September and should continue to get better into October. These fish are biting on top water baits and Aqua Dream Living Spoons. The key to catching these opportunistic feeders is to time the falling tide in the morning or evening bite. Most fish are being found very shallow, feeding along the bank or around oyster bars. Another great way to catch a fall trophy is to set up in front of creek mouths to ambush red fish and trout as they prey on bait fish being swept out by the falling tide. e schools of red fish in the fall typically range from five to twenty fish.
The offshore bite continues to be extremely good with a few captains reporting catches of Gag and Red Grouper in the 65-75 foot areas. Cobia are still being caught as well nearshore and ofishore. Red Snapper will open back up in state waters October 1st and close October 21st for a mini season this fall.
The beginning of fall is upon us and with it is a cooling trend. This trend will push the quality of fish caught to an optimum level. The fall season is no doubt some of the best fishing of the entire year. Top water plugs, spoons and suspending baits will work for the next couple months. Focus on areas with large congregations of baits. The Big Bend has one of the best fisheries in the entire state, so get out, support your local tackle shop and bend a rod!
FORECAST BY: Liam Callaghan IFA Kayak Tour National Angler of the Year St Croix Rods Pro Staff Native Watercrat Fishing Team