Sebastian Offshore Fishing Report and Forecast: Oct. 2013

The mahi bite has been slower than normal for this time of year, but they still can be found. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Douglas Kaska.
The mahi bite has been slower than normal for this time of year, but they still can be found. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Douglas Kaska.

October is here and so is the cooler weather. Fish are going to be moving out to deeper waters so you are going to travel further to find the game fish. Continue to look for weed lines and other floating debris that the storms have brought in closer to shore.

The bottom fishing bite has been fantastic; look for that to continue through October. Flounder will be making their way back through the inlets and other areas this time of year. Yes, it is a little early, but reports indicate they are being caught in the 50 to 70 foot range, along with the shallows of the river.

The kingfish bite was good in September but I see it slowly fading off as we get into the winter months. This is a good time to get your gear cleaned and serviced for next year.

Fall tends to bring different species to life in the deeper waters. Always look for birds flying in patterns and activity on the surface (splashing water, birds on the surface); these are great indicators of fish in the area.

Cobia are still around and are being caught free swimming or on the wrecks and markers reefs between Sebastian Inlet and Port Canaveral. They are being taken in the 50 to 80 foot mark. Some rays have been around; if you find one you should find cobia on them as well.

The mahi bite has been slower than normal for this time of year. I can’t stress enough to watch the waters as you head out. I have heard and seen mahi being caught in 80 to 240 feet of water, remember the waters have been going through so many changes than previous years. I have been slow trolling and fast trolling to get the bite.

The “BIG” jacks are aggressively attacking top water plugs; this is some hard fast fun when nothing else is around. Bonita are making their way through and this makes for a great fight when things are slow. I have been fishing the beaches for tarpon with great success as well.

With the mullet run, sharks are going to be a problem this month. You’ll catch plenty of them before you get your prize fish, but they are a great fighting fish and will test your strength and stamina.

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