Happy Fishing! Check out this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
APALACHEE BAY
Otto Hough (Facebook @myhometownfishing) says, ” Finally, a good dose of midweek cold nighttime weather arrived to push the water temp readings down into the upper 60s. Couple the cooler water temps with the increasing pre-new moon tidal flows these next three days along with some pretty good overall marine conditions and the weekend bite ought to be somewhat aggressive, both skinny and deep.
"Those trout are beginning to feed heavily as they fatten up before starting the winter migration into river and creek holes long about the middle of November. So for, get after 'em working topwater plugs. "Walking the dawg" early around creek mouth drains has snookering a number of bohunker trout. That same trend should continue on into next week leading up to and past the new moon. Water clarity and salinity levels are fine since the Big Bend river basins have been devoid of rain.
"Given the first low tides of the fishing days this weekend will be occurring just before and after sunrise, look to start targeting the trout around the bars and rock piles that are little ways further from the hill, then work towards the hill on the rising tide on through lunchtime. The light northeast breeze in the marine forecast for Friday and Saturday will be holding back the incoming tide a bit, but work the creek mouth bars showing active mullet schools as the water returns. Those gator trout and reds have been hammering the mullet schools.
"Outside, hopefully the stout northwest winds this past Tuesday and Wednesday will have pushed any floating grasses well offshore. The water temps over the shallow water rock piles have finally gotten into a range that the bigger gags will now find those late Fall haunts to their liking. The gags will begin feasting heavily to fatten up just as the trout, though they are preparing for their January to March shallow water spawning period. If the waters are clear of floating grasses, get after the gags by slow trolling Yo-zuri 3-D Deep Diving Crystal Minnows, Mann's Stretch 15s and/or Rapala CDMag14s or CDMag18s. Firetiger and Pink are my favorite go-to color schemes. Troll the plugs between 4.5 to 4.7 mph given the current water temps.
"Wherever the line gets wet, boat safely. Either wear an auto-inflatable PFD or have ready accessibility to standard PFDs. Enjoy the waters of the Big Bend these next three days. Boat boat wisely and safely, just FISH!"
ST GEORGE ISLAND
Captain Russ Knapp (850-653-5072) reports, “After a week of strong winds and cool temperatures the weekend looks pretty nice with highs in the mid 70's, winds blowing NE 10 to 15 knots and seas running around 2 feet. Forecast tides at the Cut have an 8AM low of .8 feet followed by a 2:30ish high tide around 1.6 feet while the sun will make its appearance at 7:45 AM. All in all, it looks like a good weekend to go fishing, just be sure to bring warm gear as the morning low will be in the 50's.
"In the bay, the big issue will be finding clear water after a week of offshore winds that definitely have stirred things up. Capt. Jack Frye (850 247 8134) is catching (and releasing) over slot Reds in the Cut drifting the clear water of the incoming tide using live bait or fresh Shrimp. Capt. Jack says the flats are holding keeper Speckled Trout, while the creek mouths areas of East Bay are full of undersized Speckled Trout and Redfish with some huge Croakers mixed in the lot. On the flats you will want to fish in the warmer part of the day with the normal Cajun Thunder popper with a DOA or Gulp hung 18' under it on a 1/8oz jig head. The fish in the East bay area are hungry for small live baits or fresh Shrimp and tend to be close to the shore so move your bait around until you find them. If you want a really good meal, move up the creeks a bit and fish for Sheepshead around any structure or in the deep holes with live Fiddler crabs, small live Shrimp or a bit of fresh shrimp.
"As we have said before, to avoid making a donation to the county treasurer be sure to pinch the tail when measuring every fish in the bay that has size limits. If you are unsure of how to be legal just google the FWC website and you will find clear information on a confusing subject.
"Offshore, it's the last Red Snapper weekend of October and the weather looks good so that's where Capt. Clint Taylor (850 370 6631) suggests you concentrate your efforts. The water temperature is falling and the Pelagic are heading south but, there are still some around so be sure to put a flat line out on every stop.
"Tip of the week -- in the fall of 1899 a small but vicious hurricane hit Carrabelle and either beached or sunk 40 odd ships in the area. The Carrabelle History Museum at 106 SE Ave B (850 697 2141) has just opened a new section upstairs that will tell you all about the event so stop in and check it out."
MEXICO BEACH
Capt. Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing Mexico Beach, Fl (850 933 8804) reports” We blew right through the 40’s and had a temperature of 36 this morning on the Florida Panhandle. With that, most of our patterns are changed for 2022. Water temp continue to drop with the last one I saw being 75 degrees. We are still in the Pelagic range, but you need to be looking further offshore.
"Inshore fishing has continued to gain momentum over this week. The annual Running of the Bulls tournament has produced some nice pictures of 20 plus pound Redfish. Fish must be released but the rules allow for a measurement and a photo to prove your catch. Large live Shrimp or Gold spoons are the best baits.
"One the offshore front, Red Snapper fishing has been really good during the open days and Jacks, Mangrove Snapper, Vermillion Snapper, and Grouper are filling in on the other days. Pin Fish are abundant in the area, so live bait is not a problem. A lot of the frozen bait quality this time of year has been disappointing.
"This is the time of year where we fish between new cold fronts so, be sure you check the weather before you head down to the area."
BIG BEND/PANHANDLE KAYAK
Salt Strong coach Matt Lanier, (matt@saltstrong.com) tells us, ”Cool temperature cold front has come in quick! Fish are fired up with this cooler weather and the opportunity to catch fish right now is easier than ever with fish moving around so much.
"Fish are feeding heavily with good current flow and the temps dropping into the 40’s this weekend. The fish are stacking up 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 our favorite inshore fish.
"Trout will 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 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.
"Now that we are in the fall pattern these fish are dialed on larger presentations and baits, so larger size paddletails like the Salt Strong Bomber are great options as they do a great job of matching-the-hatch with the bait they are feeding on. An added bonus is when throwing big baits, you get BIG fish!
"Topwater is still producing great in the morning and even into the afternoon, 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.
"The Florida Redfish Series Kayak Tournament is coming up on October 22nd so be sure to get signed up now to secure your spot and come join us for some awesome action casing redfish in one of Florida’s best fisheries!
"If you find yourself on the water and 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 creek mouths and grass lines 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!"
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 to 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."
FRESHWATER
Otto B. fishing SAYS, “Bass are feeding aggressively in Lake Iamonia. The first of the week, the Zoom Speedvibes were on fire when it came to garnering up an explosion on the fringes of the deeper water pads. Happy to say, I was able to put Randy Trousdell on a goodly number of 4 to 5 pounders, while also getting him a limit of 14-16 inchers to bring home for the grease. All his bass were caught on the Junebug Magnum Zoom Speedvibe as it was overcast Monday. If it's a bluebird day, go with the watermelon red Speedvibes. Given weekend weather forecast, with new moon inching closer, the bass bite should remain strong as should the bream and speckled perch bite. Go enjoy all the freshwater fishing Lake Iamonia has to offer. A hidden gem!
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Happy Fishing! Check out this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
