Capt. Rick Davidson, Editor (grassflats2@yahoo.com)
Fishing Report OCTOBER 2021
As hoped, October lived up to its reputation as being one of the very best months to fish the Big Bend. Massive numbers of redfish, trout, grouper, mackerel, snapper and kingfish were brought into the marina this month.
For a live-action look at what the redfish action has been like this month, check out this video from Capt. Chase Norwood’s Youtube channel.
Here are some pictures from this month’s adventures, including from the two big tournaments this past month, the Florida Redfish Series and the Nauti-Girls tournaments.
To view a full-sized version of an image, simply click on any one of these smaller versions!
Andy Phillips and Michael Roper took first place team in the North Florida Redfish Series. 
But the biggest redfish went to Team English with this 7.52 pound whopper. 
The Poor Boys Airboat Team won first place gag grouper. 
Bea Sclavakis brought back this fine trout. 
Callie Sutton nailed this beautiful gag grouper. 
Chris and Billy fished with one of our guides to find these redfish. 
David Kiselick fished with one of our offshore guides for this red grouper. 
Check out the size of this giant kingfish that took a live bait. 
Gunner Moody and his nice Spanish mackerel. 
Hannah Strope with dinner: a fine pompano. 
Harrison Hendry fished with his dad and caught this great redfish. 
Mark McCarthy worked the grasslines for this beautiful redfish. 
Michelle Hudson won first place redfish AND second place trout. 
The Roof Management crew also used one of our great inshore guides to find these keepers. 
Adam Mobley worked the marsh grass to find this giant gator trout. 
Missie Schneider took first place amberjack in the Nauti-Girls event. 
Adam Rogers with a huge barracuda. 
Capt. Norwood’s trip to remind everyone that the for-hire red snapper season is open for until November 6th. 
Savannah Delrae and her friend Jill with a fine redfish. 
Scott Duncan with keeper redfish and trout.
Fishing Forecast November
This month there are some predictions that are for sure: the water will continue to clear up inshore and floating grass will decrease dramatically; the temperatures will decrease, especially near the end of the month; and fishing will continue to be fantastic. Currently the redfish are schooling nearshore and that will continue. Solitary fish and larger non-schooling trout will be nearshore in the mornings, even when it’s cold, and you may surprise yourself by hooking a snook. Schooling trout are likely to move in closer and onto the flats but will move back into deeper water if the temps drop too much. Fish with slowly worked plugs or jig, and live shrimp will get lots of action if you want to take it easy and make fewer casts. The redfish bite has been best to the north past Rock Point, between Fisherman’s Rest and Long Grass Point, and behind Big Grass Island near shore. To the south, Drum Point, Bull Cove and the Sink Creek area (especially the deeper trenches offshore) have been holding good fish. While the grouper bite has been fantastic, it’s likely to even improve as gags will move into shallower water. Trolling large, lipped plugs over live bottom is a great way to find structure this time of year, but if you know spots, fish live pinfish or dead squid on the bottom. Kingfish and Spanish mackerel will continue to migrate through, so troll Clark spoons or bucktail jigs around whitebait schools. Always keep a live bait rig out on a cork when bottom fishing for the occasional king or cobia that might wander by.
Remember: you still have a few days to get an offshore guide and catch red snapper. The for-hire season ends November 6th. Amberjack are open this month but closed in November. And we have one tournament this month for you, the Proball Fishing Tournament on the 13th. Go to this link for more information.
Many of our pictures come from our fantastic group of guides. If you want to learn about fishing the area or want to dramatically increase your chance of catching quality fish, consider hiring one of our guides. You won’t be disappointed.
