October generally brings a big change in the water level in the Lagoon system. After the summer low water, the level rises and places that were nearly dry become flooded. Logic would dictate that the fish would rush back into these areas that have not been accessible all summer looking for new feeding grounds. I have rarely found this to be the case. Sometimes, October can be one of the most challenging months of the year with fish moving around during the changing conditions.
When you do find them, however, the bite can be fantastic. This is one of the best months to get giant redfish to eat artificial lures. My favorite is the DOA shallow running Baitbuster. Keep the lure on top and bring it right through the middle of the school. The topwater bite from a bull red is spectacular. Many of the big fish are spawning this time of year so please handle them with care and do not join in the surround and pound rodeo of boats chasing them around all day with the trolling motors.
Depending on when the first cold fronts arrive, there should still be some tarpon around, at least for the beginning of the month. Juvenile fish can be found throughout the southern Lagoon and the full-grown variety will be hanging out in the deeper cuts and channels of the very northern end. If you launch at Riverbreeze Park, look for tarpon rolling in the channel both north and south of the ramp. DOA TerrorEyz or sinking Baitbusters are my two favorites for fish in deep water. A slow steady retrieve often brings the best results. For the smaller fish in shallow water, the Tiny TerrorEyz or the DOA ¼ oz. shrimp work well.
