SWFL Fishing Forecast for October, 2016

Fall has been trying to make its way here to Southwest Florida. I have noticed the mornings are a little cooler, well at least till midday. Then that Florida sun takes over showing why we are the sunshine state.

Another thing we can count on this time of year is the Redfish. The summer rains should start giving us a break, allowing the waters to begin to clear up. Lately on the harbor I have began to notice large schools of Mullet on the bars. Most people when they see a large school of mullet, they see a fish that will not take a hook. Well that is correct, these guys are vegetarians. What you do need to know is this time of year locating Mullet can mean locating feeding Redfish. As these guys move down the flats they stir up all the small bait, crabs and shrimp that other fish feed on.

A week ago I had a trip planned with my buddy I grew up with. He no longer lives in Florida and wanted his daughter Chelsea to experience a day fishing on the Harbor for her 16th birthday. The day before they spent most of the day driving from Alabama so I went out early that morning for bait so they could sleep in.

After filling the live well, I made a call and picked them up at Ponce De Leon. We hit a couple spots trying to catch some Snook. A fish that normally I’m pretty confident in. Well nothing, so I suggested lets make a run to look for some better moving water. We crossed the harbor to a shoreline that also had a big bar about fifty yards behind us. Still the same scenario, the Snook just was not feeding. Well sometimes its better to be lucky than good. I know this sounds like a fishing story which it is, but it’s a true one. As we where getting ready to change spots. A boat kindly idled by us trying to be courteous. Randy looked over at me and said did you see that? I cant write my true reply, but the water humped up like a barge just passed by the bar. We trolled over into position I threw out a few chummers, and Reds started boiling the water. We sat on the edge of that bar for over a hour. Chelsea, Randy and I caught fish till we couldn’t catch another one. All I could do was laugh at her, and say happy birthday baby girl. I played it off like I planned it that way, when actually that kind angler that idled by us did us a favor.

The sun was getting high and the wind was no where to be found. We already lost count of how many fish we caught. So we decided to go for a boat ride and cool down. We trolling motored out not to spook the fish for the next angler. Ran back across the harbor, and I finally got on some Snook . I must admit they where little guys, but we was OK with that. Its always good to spend the day on the water with great people that you don’t get to see as often as you would like.

If you would like to experience some of Southwest Florida's finest fishing give me a call or send me an email. All of our trips are private and customized to fit you and your parties needs.

You can also follow me on Twitter @ backbayxtremes for daily and weekly updates.

Captain Dave Stephens * (941) 916-5769 * Back Bay Xtremes * PO Box 510746, Punta Gorda FL 33951

Flats Fishing Charters for Charlotte Harbour, Punta Gorda, Florida