SEPTEMBER 2019 Fishing Report and OCTOBER Forecast
Sea Hag SEPTEMBER Report
Every year, shortly after the ending of scallop season, the fishing explodes as the water temperatures come down just a little, and this year has been no different. Trout and redfish are available in good numbers, and larger trout have begun moving inshore to some shallower water. There have also been some great catches of grouper, and Spanish mackerel and bluefish have been following schools of whitebait just offshore. Here are some pictures from this past month.
The community came together this month for a Trash Tournament, with great participation and an amazing collection of trash. Some of the more interesting items: a toilet seat, a witches hat, and an entire abandoned boat. The marina donated free food AND beer, t-shirts and other prizes. It was a great event that coincided with World Clean-up Day. Thanks to all that participated.
Fishing Forecast For October
October is always one of the best months of the year in the Big Bend, and this one is shaping up as usual. Some large redfish are coming inshore for their fall schooling before they move back offshore for the rest of their lives. The schools have been holding from 500 yards from shore in to the marsh lines. Always be looking for nervous water. When a school is moving fast, they’re hard to catch up to without spooking them and sometimes they aren’t eating, but you can follow them at a distance to see if they settle down in an area. Some recent good places to try are around Drum Point, behind and just south of the Pepperfish Keys, Bull Cove, the Sink Creek/Tater Island area (all to the south), and north behind Big Grass Island. Trout were holding in 8-10 feet but some good catches were made this month in 4-5 feet on the flats. As it cools try jigs with or without popping corks. Offshore, there have been some notable gag grouper catches, but most are still in 40-50 feet of water. They will be in closer as the water cools next month. And the southward migration of kingfish, mackerel and cobia will begin in earnest this month. This is one of our best months of the year, so make plans to get on the water this month.
We have a number of upcoming tournaments to put on your calendar.
One of our most popular tournaments, the Nauti Girls Tournament, was postponed and will take place October 12. Ladies only, but boat boys are allowed (but discouraged).
Capt. Chase Norwood’s Bless the Bahamas Fundraising Tournament will take place November 2, with all proceeds going directly to assist in aid to the Bahamas.
The annual Eggnog Open will be on December 7, and there is a kayak division this year.
Capt. Kyle Skipper, www.m1fishing.com (352) 317-1654
September’s bite has been outstanding. If this is a sign of what October will be like this year it’s going to be even better than usual. Trout have been schooled up thick and Reds have been the same. I still have plenty of availability for October if you want to get in on the action yourself.
