    
Captain Tom McLaughlin (Anotherkeeper)
New member
Username: Anotherkeeper
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2008
Rating: 
Votes: 1 | | Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 4:14 am: | |
OCTOBER OUTLOOK
October looks like it will have inshore anglers seeing red. Redfish have been more than reliable in September and it looks like it should only get better. Most trips in late September have shown that it can be difficult to catch a Redfish that is not overslot! Reds have been running from 4-20lbs (with a majority of fish in the 7-14lb range)and only seem to be getting larger! With fall turning the water temperature down a bit, these larger fish should start to congregate in larger and larger groups. Once located, these schools of fish can provide almost non-stop action that at times lasts several hours. These months also see more fish in open water areas of shell bottom and open grass flats. This allows anglers to use lighter tackle than is necessary in summer to muscle larger fish from the depths of the mangrove shoreline. Catching these large, strong fish on light spinning tackle means screaming drags and doubled-over rods for sure, and is certainly a welcome treat.
With the Redfishing being so great, it can be easy for anglers to lose sight of the terrific snook fishing i the coming months. October and November will often see the most aggressive snook fishing of the year. As the water cools a bit these fish become much more active in their feeding habits. They also are much stronger as the water cools because the water contains more needed oxygen to fuel these muscular fish. Anglers who have fished for snook in the heat of summer will definitely be caught off guard with the scorching runs and acrobatics of cool water snook. Snook will be found in many of the same areas that reds are targeted, and catching in these areas of live grass, shell, and mangrove shoreline will provide a nice mixed bag and good shot at an inshore slam (Snook, Redfish, Trout). In addition to the typical mixed bag inshore, juvenile tarpon can be targeted up in the rivers where the water turns strong brackish, providing excellent light tackle action on these smaller (5-50lb) fish.
Offshore in October will be a period of migration for strong pelagics like King and Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and large sharks. These runs are often less publicized than the spring migration north, but are equally as productive. Fall will often see the largest specimens taken from 20 to 75 feet of water. This same water depth will hold large numbers of Grouper and Snapper, as it has all summer, but their size should steadily increase throughout the fall and into the winter. Following this migration, as always, will be an increased number of Blacktip, Bull, Tiger, and Hammerhead sharks. As with other Pelagics, these migrations are not as large in scale as the summer runs (following the Tarpon to Boca Grande), but can still provide some trophy size sharks.
Speaking of Shark fishing, October will provide anglers with opportunities abound when it comes to our finned-friends. Shark fishing can consist of large numbers of sharks in the 50-200lb range, some shots at larger 200+ fish, as well as world-record breaking black-tips (and other whaler family sharks). The large concentration of beach-front forage will also mean a rare chance to sight fish for sharks during the day, on the beach. These sharks can often be seen cruising into the chum slick from hundreds of yards away.
October also offers unique dining opportunities as well. Snook, Redfish, Trout, Cobia, Grouper, and Snapper are all available and in season. Aside from great catch and release action, anglers can leave with a healthy and tasty meal to share with family and friends.
Beautiful weather, stellar fishing, and unforgettable opportunities can all be found in October. There is no better way to spend time with family, friends, or just to relax away from it all than fishing the pristine waters of Englewood, Venice, Captiva, Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico. If you are looking for fantastic inshore or offshore action, day or night, then you have come to the right place. Book your trip with Another Keeper Charters and you can rest assured that you will not only enjoy great fishing with Southwest Florida's premier fishing guide and charter service, but you will also enjoy the company of arguably the friendliest Captain in the business! |
