October is Inshore Fishing Gold!
As inshore fishing goes it’s hard to beat the month of October. Redfish and trout become the primary targets as the summer seasonal species have departed. The falling water temperature lets the fish know that they better eat up now before Winter arrives. What could be better than the combination of hungry fish and beautiful Fall days?
Redfish will begin to form schools that will grow larger throughout the month. Sight fishing has been quite a thrill as these redfish attack schools of shrimp and mullet. Artificials that look like baitfish have been very productive. We are throwing jerk shad artificial lures about 4”-5” in length in hues of blue and grey. I rig these lures on size #3/0 flutter hooks that provide great action and as an added bonus land softly in the water.
Trout are responding well to artificial lures too. We’ll use lures in the same hues as for redfish but slightly smaller, 3”-4”, and often with a paddle tail. Instead of a flutter hook, try using a 1/8-1/4oz. jighead. It’s important to use a jighead heavy enough to get down in the water column and in front of fishes’ noses. The goal is to bounce the lure off the bottom and wait until you feel the resistance of a striking fish. If you catch one trout, there are likely many more in that area.
Large schools of redfish can be a fly fisherman’s dream. The water becomes clearer as all the algae leaves and sight fishing is superb. Again, we’ll try to imitate the bait fish that are in the water. Wobbler flies in black as well as EP fiber mullet flies are go to patterns. Redfish at this time of year by nature are becoming spookier. Take your time approaching the schools and you will be well rewarded.
See you on the water!
Captain Geoff Bennett operates Charleston Charter Fishing providing light tackle and fly fishing charters. For more info, call 843-324-3332 or visit www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
