Capt. Rick Davidson, Editor (grassflats2@yahoo.com)
Fishing Report OCTOBER 2020
October really lived up to its reputation. One of my very favorite months to fish, everything was biting. The migrating pelagics (cobia, kingfish and Spanish mackerel) were tearing things up nearshore, oversized redfish were schooling in preparation for their move offshore to spawn, there were lots of trout around, and even some tuna made it to the cleaning tables this month. We had a great turnout for the “Hooked on Heroes” veteran’s tournament as well. For some of the pictures from this month, see them below.
Fishing Forecast NOVEMBER 2020
I’m looking forward to November, which is another of the very best fishing months. It’s a transition month, always dependent on temperatures, but generally just a great month to get on the water. As the water temps decrease gag and red grouper become more active closer to shore; you can find them in 30 to 60 feet and even closer. This time of year prospecting with trolled lipped plugs is a great way to locate fish over live bottom; then stopping and dropping squid or sardines or live pinfish will usually provide a good bunch of fish. Amberjack are closed now, but make sure you put out a flat line with a live bait when bottom fishing, looking for a cobia or kingfish to wander by.
I’m looking forward to November, which is another of the very best fishing months. It’s a transition month, always dependent on temperatures, but generally just a great month to get on the water. As the water temps decrease gag and red grouper become more active closer to shore; you can find them in 30 to 60 feet and even closer. This time of year prospecting with trolled lipped plugs is a great way to locate fish over live bottom; then stopping and dropping squid or sardines or live pinfish will usually provide a good bunch of fish. Amberjack are closed now, but make sure you put out a flat line with a live bait when bottom fishing, looking for a cobia or kingfish to wander by.
Inshore, this is prime schooling time for big redfish. Always watch when running in five feet of water or less for signs of schools…nervous water, wakes with fish being chased. Non-schooling solitary fish are plentiful as well, especially around creek mouths and shorelines on high tides. Trout are actually a little deeper than usual; while some larger solitary fish are still in shallow water, some consistent catches have been in 5 to 7 feet, fishing jigs with Gulp baits. Try areas around Little Bank, areas west of the Bird Rack, outside of Sink Creek in 4 feet of water, and outside of the Pepperfish Keys. And if the temps drop significantly in late November, remember that’s a great time to fish deep holes in the flats for trout….examples being the holes in Dallus Creek, the Clay Creek cut between Dallus Creek and Fisherman’s Rest, and the deep water a mile outside of Rocky Creek. Several events are planned for November. The 6th and 7th is the Power Pole Pro Tournament, November 7th also being a benefit Poker Run; a Gainesville Offshore Fishing Club tournament will take place on the 14th, and Keaton Beach is having the Turkey Trot 5K on the 28th. Get out and have fun; the fishing’s great
There are some giant Spanish mackerel around, as Alan Mobley found out. 
Ashley Morgan fished near Rocky Creek with a jig and caught this 26 inch trout. 
Bryson Butler fished with one of our guides and came home with this giant cobia. 
Caden Overstreet and family found some excellent redfish. 
Collin found this tripletail fishing with one of our guides. 
Jackie Davis and Melvin Jackson, Army veterans, fished in the HOH event and found some nice fish. 
Another group of veterans who had a great day on the water. 
Tori Clayton with an overslot redfish. 
Todd Bratcher from Georgia fished with one of our guides and had to let this oversized redfish go. 
Shiloh and her dad fished with one of our guides and caught this beautiful trout. 
Kevin Watson fished with one of our guides for Spanish mackerel and found this kingfish hanging out with them. 
Jordan Knight with a fine redfish. 
Jimmie Barnhouse nailed this keeper cobia. 
JB and Staci Burnett with an inshore slam, fishing with one of our excellent guides. 
Jake Clements with a gator trout. 
And one of the surprises of the month: Dylan Reed with a beautiful blackfin tuna.
