By Capt. Jamie Thrappas, Yellow Dawg Fishing
October is by far my favorite month of the year to fish. It’s also my favorite month of the year in general, weather-wise, but when it comes to fishing the inlet, it doesn’t get any better. Bull redfish and snook are the main targets in October, but I’ll also go after a few silver kings when we see them blowing up the baitfish. With the mullet run in full swing at the beginning of the month, using them as bait will almost certainly get you a pull on the end of the line.
For bull reds, I use 40 lb fluoro with about a 3 to 4 oz egg weight on a Carolina rig, and I prefer a 4/0 offset circle hook. These fish are on the bottom, so 24 to 30″ of leader is just about right. I don’t like using only one type of bait since you never know what the fish want, so take some pinfish, blue crabs, or croakers if you can get them. If you’re marking fish and not getting a bite, then try cut mullet, or if you happen to get a ladyfish, cut it up: you’ll be surprised how fast they eat it. I’ve even had days where I’m marking fish, tried everything I could think of, then cut up a bluefish, and bam, fish on!
Snook are usually on fire in October as well. I’ll use similar baits as above, minus the blue crabs and cut bait. The difference is snook aren’t always on the bottom, so you have to use less weight and drift the baits along the structure, like the jetty or docks. I also like longer leaders for snook, around 36 to 40″+, and I’ll dial it down to 25 lb fluorocarbon with a 3/0 offset circle hook. Drifting outgoing tides at the inlet is a great way to get hooked up, but you also have to keep in mind you’re going to snag a bunch, so don’t get caught without enough tackle!
If you want to experience some of the best fishing our area has to offer, I highly recommend fishing in October. From shore, boat, or kayak, I think you’ll really enjoy this time of year: you just have to get out there. If you’d like to come along and see what it’s all about, give us a call to set up your trip! As always, if you see us out there, say hello!
