[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the fall mullet run kicks into full gear, thousands and thousands of mullets will be found going south along the beaches and down the lagoon. They’re not alone. Large schools of bonito and bluefish follow the mullet feasting as they move south. Catching these fish is easy. It all starts with a cast net. Once you have netted the mullet, position your boat in front of a school and let them come to you. As the mullet approach, you can usually see the baits getting busted up. Just cast into the mayhem and you’re on.
The pompano bite has been pretty good just outside the inlet to the south at the monster hole. The pompano can be caught using sand fleas, clams, or my favorite, the Goofy Jig. I like a ¼-ounce with pink and white. You have to use ultra-light gear to cast the jigs and 10-pound test is the way to go.
Pushing a little further offshore, you may encounter Sharktober Fest! The water often clouds up in October and the Atlantic sharpnose sharks show up in droves. That’s just great if you want to catch a shark, but in many cases the sharks will get your baits before the snapper and grouper get a chance. Quality bottom fish can still be caught this month, but you will have to work for it. When the sharks find you, push on to the next spot.
Out by the edge of the Gulf Stream, sailfish start showing up as the first cold fronts come our way. Find a good weed line, a temperature break or a rip, and troll just as you would if you were after dolphin. It’s a nice time to drag a bait. You might catch sailfish, dolphin or even stumble into a nice wahoo!