Welcome to the October issue of the Okeechobee edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.
For those of us in south central Florida, October marks the beginning of the end of summer, for September is just an extension of the summer’s heat, humidity and afternoon rains. With the changes in the weather and the shortening of daylight hours, lake and river temperatures will begin to fall and the bass and other fish populations will start preparing for their annual spawn. This means bass will be on the move and feeding more aggressively which is all good news for local fishermen.
For local hunters, unless the FWC offers a last minute change, with September’s early duck season closing water-fowlers will have to sit out October and await November’ s regular season’s opening. For archery, crossbow, and muzzleloader hunters there will be something for everyone though do be mindful of the varying dates and hunting zones that apply. For fall turkey hunters, shotgun and rifle season in Zone A, that is areas south of State Road 70, runs from October 5-18th. As always, check the FWC website, for dates and restrictions for any area you wish to hunt.
October also marks the return of Outdoor Festival Season in and around the lake. Besides local and regional Octoberfest celebrations, there is the annual Bikefest in Sanford, Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, and the DeSoto Pumpkin Fest in Acarida. For those looking for something more on the fringe, Key West’s Fantasy Festival is this month which always attracts partier goers from far and wide.
Finally, to close out the month, remember on Sunday November 1st to set your clocks back one-hour as we leave Daylight Savings Time and fall back into Standard Time.
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