The Mullet run is in full swing and the mullet are starting to move into the Indian River and Banana River Lagoons. With the mullet, come the bluefish, Spanish mackerel and Jack crevalle in big numbers. October is my favorite time of the year to catch that gator trout, snook, redfish or even a big flounder on a topwater plug in the flats around the schools of mullet.
Anglers fishing from Malabar to Micco should target the mangrove shorelines in and around Snag Harbor as well as Hog Point and Mullet Creek on the south end of Longpoint Park. Snook, reds and trout will be cruising the shorelines looking for a good meal. Rig a live finger mullet on a 3/0 VMC circle hook and toss it up into the mangroves or work that X Rap Pop and Skitterwalk along the mangrove shorelines and through the bait pods and hang on. If artificial baits are your bag, throw a Skitterwalk in Bone or Silver pattern in the early mornings and evenings and keep it close
to the mangroves and wait for the explosion. Anglers can also fish the mangroves with a jig on the bottom for flounder. If you prefer a Chug Bug, give the Rapala XRap Pop a try, it has been a great lure all spring and summer for big trout in the Indian River.
Bull sharks, jacks and tarpon (40-60+lbs) should be in the Sebastian River, Turkey Creek, Crane Creek and the Eau Gallie River. Best baits are Skitterwalks on top early and live finger mullet. Rig your baits on 40lb Fluorocarbon leader and use a 5/0 to 7/0 hook depending on the size of the fish. Be patient when fishing for the tarpon and don’t chase the fish or you will push them down.
The flats on the western shoreline of the Banana River north of the Pineda Causeway and the Thousand islands in Cocoa should have plenty of mullet with redfish, trout and black drum mixed in with the bait schools. Fish the outside trough of the Thousand Islands with a Subwalk or a Clackin’ Minnow or fish the bait pods with a Skitterwalk around the islands inside if it is a bit windy. A lot of anglers will chunk mullet or ladyfish along the flats on the west shoreline as well for the over slot redfish.
October is one of our best months on the water inshore. Key in on the bait pods and find a pattern that will work for you and you can have a great day on the water!
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