Happy Fishing! Check out this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
APALACHEE BAY
Otto Hough (Facebook @myhometownfishing) says, ”Well, at least Ma Nature provided one really good day this past weekend much to the delight of anglers fishing skinny or deep. With a weak, dry cold front sliding towards the waters of the Big Bend by Sunday morning, Friday and Saturday are shaping up to be the best shots for the most enjoyable fishing day(s), either inside chasing reds and/or trout, or outside targeting the gags, though Sunday shouldn't be too bad either, just a bit more wind creating 2 to 3 foot seas outside, not to the liking of small boat anglers.
"One good thing since Ian passed has been the cool overnight air temps that have accelerated a much welcomed drop in water temps into the low 70s. That cooler water has helped stimulate the bite of all the species normally targeted in the Big Bend this time of year. With the absence of rain these last few weeks, skinny water clarity and salinity levels have greatly improved. Sight fishing the reds has been producing.
"Over these next three days, those pre-full moon low tides will be occurring prior to sunrise Friday, then easing up a little beyond sunrise the next to couple of following mornings. Expect those morning low tides to be somewhat more pronounced Sunday morning than the tide charts reflect given slightly increased northeast winds associated with the weak cold front easing across Apalachee Bay.
"If targeting the reds or trout, or both, those creek mouth drains along with the nearby bars that are holding actively feeding schools of mullet are great spots to locate some really quality fish. Topwater plugging, utilizing One Knockers, Skitterwalks, Super Spooks, Moonwalkers and Top Dogs in bone patterns, has been producing quite well now that the skinny water temps are in the low 70s. Also, take time to work those softbaits like the five inch jerk shads and subsurface plugs like the MirroDines and Rip-n-Slash 70s in the same territory where mullet schools are feeding. Spoons worked on the edges of the bars are eliciting slams from some fine reds as well.
"Outside, Ma Nature has finally helped to get the gags sliding in towards the shallow water rock piles in 12' to 18' depths along the coast, from St. Marks eastward to the Econfina. Slow trolling season has arrived for those anglers like me that aren't live bait anglers when it comes to targeting the gags. Jigging the rock piles is also beginning to give up some fine flounder. From now till December 31st when gag season will close for recreational anglers in Florida is the time to get after the gags. Slow trolling Rapala CDMag14s, Yo-zuri 3-D Deep Diving Crystal Minnows and Mann's Stretch 15s will snooker more than a few legal shallow water gags. Remember, gags, pinched tail, must be at least 24 inches, with only two per angler in the legal limit. Flounder must be 14 inches. Sadly, when gag season closes December 31st, it will remain closed next year until September 1, 2023, so catch 'em up now.
"Wherever the boat may go these next few days, wear an auto-inflatable PFD. Don't flirt with danger when on the Big Pond. Have some Fall fun enjoying tugs on the line while boating safely. Just FISH!!"
ST. GEORGE ISLAND
Captain Russ Knapp (850-653-5072) reports, “Well, the weather forecast for the weekend is mixed with Saturday the best day having seas forecast at 2 feet and light 5 to 10 knot north winds while Sunday has seas 2 to 3 feet and NE winds 10 to 15 knots. Tides at the Cut show an 8:30 AM low tide of .8 feet followed by an afternoon high of 1.8 feet at 2:48PM on Saturday ,while Sunday's morning low of .6 feet is at 9 AM with the high at 3:47 running 1.8 feet. The sort of good news is there is almost no chance of rain but we really could use some as we got nothing from Ian.
"In the bay, as the water cleans up and the temperature goes down things will be getting back to normal fall patterns which means good fishing most everywhere. If you're looking for Bull Reds, I suggest head for the Cut, Silver Trout should be on the oyster flats just West of the low rise in the SGI bridge and for Speckled Trout fish the shorelines and flats. Bring your cast net and net up some live bait for the Reds, while the Silver Trout will enjoy a bit of Shrimp or piece of cut bait. For the Speckled Trout Capt. Randy Peart (850 320 4214) is fishing Strike King Red Fish Magic spinner baits close to the shore and Gulp Shrimp 18" under a Cajun Thunder popping cork on the flats. Capt. Randy reminds you that things are in a state of flux so if the fish are having an off day in one spot don't be shy about moving to another spot. Capt. Dan Fortunas (850 980 0101) just got in to the dock and reports good number of Black Drum that are for some fresh Shrimp hanging around the SGI bridge. Capt. Dan reminds you to use a circle hook and be ready to release any large Black Drum you catch as they will full of worms and not good table fare.
"Offshore, it's the first of the long-awaited Red Snapper weekends which are this weekend Oct 8th and 9th followed by Oct 15-16, Oct. 22-23, Nov 11-12-13 and Nov 25-26-27 with the season open in both State and Federal waters. After you catch your limit of Red Snapper, Capt. Clint Taylor (850 370 6631) suggests fishing live bottom with big live baits for Gag Grouper and small live baits for Mangrove and Lane Snapper and as always don't forget the flat line as AJ's season is open till the end of the month. Capt. Clint says Ian has things a bit confused offshore as he had Frigate birds cruising over the boat and a Blue Marlin jump right next to the boat just to tease him.
"Tip of the week: On page 56 of the Murphy's Law book it states that air temperature while on a boat is inversely proportional to the amount of warm gear you have with you---don't be a popsicle plan ahead."
MEXICO BEACH
Capt. Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing Mexico Beach (850-933-8804) reports” Fishing this week has picked back up as Hurricane Ian made a turn. Our Brothers and Sisters in SW Florida are in our prayers for continued safety and help. I was a grim reminder of 4 years ago here, that Hurricane Michael made landfall. We are with you all.
"Inshore fishing continues to improve as the water temperature continues to fall into the high 70’s. The annual Running of the Bulls tournament is in progress during the month of October and the fish are here. My wife Cyndi landed a nice keeper Spotted Sea Trout from the shore near Port St Joe. Live Shrimp fished Carolina style was the bait of choice. Medium to Large Shrimp seem to do better than small ones in this case.
"Offshore the bite is good as well. Fortunately, fish have moved in closer and even Mahi are being caught within 5 miles of shore. There is a Recreational season for Red Snapper during weekend days in October and some in November. Check MyFWC.com for details. The Grouper bite should improve as well as the colder weather moves in.
"Fall is my favorite time of year to fish. Fish become much more aggressive. Watch the weather and get out when you can."
BIG BEND/PANHANDLE KAYAK
Salt Strong coach Matt Lanier, (matt@saltstrong.com) tells us, ” Now that water levels are starting to return to their normal levels and finding navigable water is easier, there could be the potential for some good fishing this weekend.
"There can often be a good bite after a barometric pressure change that comes with a storm system, and now that Fall is creeping into the air, the bite should be heating up!
"Fish will start to stack up again in numbers at textbook ambush points. Points, drains, feeder creeks, and even docks with good current flow are great places to look to target for a tug on the line.
"Trout will still be looking for the depth changes and structure to associate to while feeding. Find the current coming around points and feeder creeks and creek mouths, and you can find the fish. Be sure to use the appropriate weight to get your bait down in the water column where those fish are and wait for the thump.
"Redfish will typically hold shallower early in the mornings and move around some as the water temps warm up some in the afternoon, and with all of the shrimp that is in the water now, a live or artificial shrimp (like the Salt Strong Power Prawn, or VooDoo Shrimp) is a great option.
"Topwater will likely be a great presentation with this post storm bite, so be sure to throw those favorite topwater lures (Moonwalker, Skitter Walk, One Knockers) with that enticing walk-the-dog action for those big fish looking for an easy meal.
"If you find yourself fishing in a spot where you haven’t gotten a bite for the last 15 minutes… it’s time to move. Keep looking for the 90/10 zone where those fish are holding. Don’t waste time in unproductive areas. The fish are moving and so should you!
"To get the kids on some fish quickly, a live shrimp under a popping cork around creeks is a solid producer of fish, and the best part is you never know what you’ll get because everything eats shrimp. EVEN ME! If you plan on getting out this weekend, always make sure you check (and double check) your gear and the weather. But most importantly… STAY SAFE & HAVE FUN!"
ECONFINA
Capt. Randy Peart (captpeart@yahoo.com) reports,” Fishing at Econfina is returning to normal at last, good numbers of Redfish around the shoreline. Try your favorite topwater or spinnerbait, just be aware there are large amounts of rock grass around. A weedless gold spoon or spinnerbait may be necessary. Trout are still scattered around the flats, but are available if you look. Grouper fishing is starting to get good in shallow water, so get out there and give it a try.
LAKE SEMINOLE
Capt. Paul Tyre reports, “Wow what a exciting first week of October the water temperature has cooled down into the mid 60’s and the Bass biting! The Topwater bite has been explosive their week I had a great trip with Randall Miller from Destin Fl. He caught over 10 Bass in the 5 - 7 pound range all on Topwater the strikes were incredible!
"The Hybrid / Striper fishing has been very good this week also and will get even better as we move into the Fall. I had a fantastic time with Tom Townly from Homer City Pennsylvania he caught his PB Hybrid!
"When fishing for Hybrid and Stripers, the correct rod paired with a 6:2-1 reel is critical. On the business end of the A-rig, you can't beat the Bass Assassin 4” or 5" Sea Shad rigged on a Bass Assassin jig head. For a Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure give me a call to check availability at 850-264-7534 , follow us on Instagram @ Capt.paultyrefishing or email me @ paultyrefishing@yahoo.com."
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Happy Fishing! Check out this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
