by Capt. Brain Smith
We’re all looking forward to a cool break, including the fish. Although, the water temperature didn’t get to the normal high (mid 90’s), heat still stresses the biology above and below the waterline. However, cooling trends stimulate activity above and below and October is a good thing for all.
Cooling water temperatures “text” the fish TBAC (things be a changing). Their translation to TBAC is put on the feedbag prep for winter. Pelagic fish such as king fish, Spanish mackerel, cobia and such will begin to gorge themselves on local bait fish. They take advantage of the bait “chuck wagon” until it starts to thin out, and then follow them southward. Shout out to fishermen, the fish will be feeding so go fishing!
Reef fish that aren’t ‘transient, our 12 month homesteaders like grouper and black sea bass feel the same movement. They need to belly-up before the winter scarcity.
October is the beginning of the seasonal transition both inshore and o shore; it is a great time to go fishing. I’m not an inshore guide but, historically the guides start running with regularity and beginning back happy fishermen with a good plenty of trout and red fish.
Offshore, grouper, kingfish, amberjack, cobia and such respond in like manner, they feed stronger. And, as an added incentive, red snapper will be open for the first two weeks of October. The red snapper have been well over minimum size limit. Offshore adventures should be very productive.
So get your boat ready or book a charter for October. When it cools o fishing is hot.
FORECAST BY: Capt. Brian Smith BIG BEND CHARTERS www.BigBendCharters.com captbrian@bellsouth.net (877) 852-3474 (352) 210-3050