Whiteys Fishing Report, October, 2009
Snook season is open and the bite is hot too!
With lots of bait in the surf, the action along the beaches and at Sebastian Inlet has been red hot. Huge schools of mullet are migrating through the surf and are being followed by every predator on the beach. At the tide changes they round the jetties and make their way into the inlet. Sometimes the schools get trapped inside the inlet by the tide and just get worked over for hours by the snook and redfish. Many of the redfish are oversize and must be released, but after several big boys look for a slot size fish to come along. A few mojarras have been caught along the bridges, but pinfish, mullet and croakers are still the choice baits to fish right now. After the action cools down on the surface, drop a few smaller baits to the bottom for mangrove snapper and flounder.
New Florida State regulations require every angler to have a fishing license, resident or non-resident. Residents must have a saltwater fishing license or the new shoreline angler endorsement. So get to the computer and purchase your license online at the myfwc.com or leave a few minutes early and stop by Whitey’s to get your fishing license next time you get out.
Getting offshore this time of year is very challenging with the changing weather. If the wind is blowing and the seas are rough, look to hang close to shore for Bonito, Kingfish, Tarpon, Spanish mackerel and Bluefish. Schools of mullet and other baitfish are scattered along the beaches and several miles offshore. Look for the birds diving on the bait or watch your bottom machine to get into the action. Sabiki live bait or cast silver spoons, top water or diving plugs along the edges of the bait or right into the middle of the schools. Make sure your drag is not too tight to start with. You can always tighten it up as needed, but backing it off usually costs you a lure or a broken line before you get the tension right.
If you are looking to grab a few kingfish for the smoker, start working 2-3 miles off Sebastian Inlet. Trolling live baits on the downrigger or dragging a few spoons around will raise the fish. The grass has been very scattered on the surface and will require a constant watch to keep the baits and lures clean. Try trolling ballyhoo further offshore towards the Gulf Stream for some mahi and sailfish action.
Bottom fishing on the offshore bar has been slow, producing a few good fish here and there, but most of the action has been sea bass, triggers and a few smaller snapper. The larger prized grouper and red snapper catches have been further offshore along the deeper 170 ft. and 220 ft. rock ledges. Live baits are the way to glory right now, look for some live sardines along the inshore bars and Bethel buoy. The hardest part about offshore in October is getting a good weather window when you have the time off. As October comes and goes, lets hope we are still lucky enough to get some calm seas and light winds!!!! If you get a nice fish this month and want to share it with us, send an email with the details to Whitey’s. You might even see it in next months The Resident……
Whitey's Bait & Tackle
321-724-1440
9030 S Highway A1a
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
captstovall@whiteysonline.com
www.whiteysonline.com/
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