Captain Don Taylor, Jr
904.318.9906
inshoreoutdoorsfishing.com
Hopefully this month will bring some cooler weather and water. With the water temps holding in the high 80’s the bite is still a bit lethargic. Redfish, Trout and Flounder are still on the hit list, but the need to scramble has been the ticket for putting good numbers in the boat.
Let’s start with Redfish, my favorite. With all the bait in the ICW and St. Johns River, Redfish are holding on the banks of both. A finger mullet floated or pitched along the grass lines and over drop offs has provided the most action as of late.
The Yellow mouth trout and Speckled Trout are being caught in good numbers. Target the rocks and ledges on the top of the incoming or first of the outgoing tide. A simple ¼ oz jig head tipped with a mud minnow or finger mullet will do the trick. For artificial anglers, a paddle tail drifted with the current has been very effective.
The Flounder bite has begun to pick up as well. Slow roll the bottom with a finger mullet or mud
minnow pinned to a ¼ oz. or ⅜ oz. jig head. Make sure to let the Flounder inhale your offering completely. Be patient and wait for the flattie to swim off before setting the hook.
The St. Johns River this month will be full or Bull Reds, Tarpon, Jacks, and Lady Fish all chasing the Mullet as they run through the Northeast, Florida area. The opportunity to bend a rod on a variety of species in the month of October makes it such an exciting month.
For the shrimpers, get out the nets and buckets and hit the river and creeks to fill your limit. Brownies and Greenies are showing up in good numbers and in size. Remember the 5 gallon limit. Everyone loves Shrimp and the variety of ways they can be prepared.
In closing, I would like to encourage everyone to get out and participate in one of the many charity tournaments we have in the area. The fishing community in Northeast, Florida is second to none and the anglers in Jacksonville and the surrounding counties are constantly giving and bringing awareness to illnesses that affect our community and loved ones. Awesome job! I am proud to be a part of such a great fishing community.
If you have a question or comment, or would like to spend a day on the water catching fish, please contact me at 904.318.9906 or email me at inshoreoutdoors@gmail.com.