By Richard Hastings
October is here and it’s time to hit your local pumpkin patch. On the water, temperatures are starting to cool in Florida Bay and the fish aren’t the only ones loving it.
The snook bite has been very productive. We’re seeing top water fly fishing with gurgler and popping patterns. Aggressive surface eats are what it’s all about. It’s a tough choice in the morning between tailing redfish and the top water action.
Redfish have been loving the cool down and seem to be more eager to eat. We’re stalking them in shallow flats looking for that “pumpkin” glow or the quintessential tail, as if it’s waiving at you to come and get them. Don’t forget to breathe before you take your shot at these beautiful fish.
Back in town the bonefish and permit have been happy with king tides providing more water and places to feed. Current only helps with the bonefish. With temperatures cooling off, we’re seeing these fish further up on flats and in bigger schools.
Fall is my favorite time of year to fish the Everglades National Park. Any guide you talk to will tell you that October is one of their favorite times of year to fish and there is a reason for that. There’s far less pressure on the water, sometimes not seeing another skiff all day. Flats fishing is always fun but there’s some value to the feeling that you have it all to yourself.
FISH TIP
The slot limit for redfish is no less than 18 inches and no more than 27 inches total length.
FISH FACT
Snook stocks have rebounded and are currently exceeding FWC’s management goal of 40% spawning potential ratio (SPR) on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida. SPR is the percent of the total biomass of mature fish in a fished population compared to the number that would exist if the population were not fished.
