Reel Anglers Fishing Club
October Conditions
October is normally the last month for our chance of experiencing a hurricane. Let’s hope Mother Nature does not trick us! So far this year there have been none. This has been great for being able to get out fishing most days. October should be more of the same only better! Both the air and water temperature are dropping. While it is always adventitious to start early, we should be able to stay out longer. The highs are normally in the 80s and the daily threat of thunderstorms is greatly diminished. Give yourself a treat and get out fishing!
Snook and Redfish
This month a lot of the larger snook have moved back inshore from their summer, beach spawning endeavors. Many of these fish will stopping by the passes as they migrate inshore. As always follow the bait. Speaking of which, the size of both baitfish and shrimp should be increasing. Drifting these baits along the edges of the passes can be very productive.
This is also the month when the schools of larger redfish move into our area. Again, follow the bait and watch the wading birds. Birds sitting on the edge of the mangroves is a sure sign that there are fish in the area. With cooler water the oxygen levels should be higher throughout the area. This means the fish can move to the shallow flats to feed. This type of fishing calls for stealth.
Fly Fishing and Kayak Options
It is a great time to try flyfishing. There is no quieter presentation than dropping a fly in front of an unsuspecting redfish or snook. If you have not flyfished before I suggest you look through the Nautical Mile for a flyfishing guide. Tell them you are new to this part of our sport and would like to learn how to flyfish. Expect to spend a good part of your trip learning how to cast. It really is not that difficult. You will be using the guide’s equipment so there is no upfront cost. Be honest with the guide about your abilities.
I would also encourage you to try kayak fishing. Modern day kayaks are very angler friendly. The vast majority now use peddles instead of paddles. It is much easier to fish with your hands free. Kayaks today are extremely stable so don’t be fearful of flipping the kayak. In our area there are hundreds of fishy places that only a kayak can reach.
One of our most successful club members fishes every day from his kayak. He catches redfish and snook almost daily. I know because he is generous with the pictures he has sent. Oh, and he does it with all artificial baits. He has one small tackle box with his favorite proven lures. There are many local kayak guides if you want to give it a try. The prices are much less than a guide with a boat. Because you are so close to the water the experience is much more intimate and often more productive.
Club Meeting
After a summer of using successful in-house anglers to provide fishing information at our meetings the Reel Anglers Fishing Club will start featuring local guides and fishing resources. Our first scheduled guest speaker is Steve Dall of Wyze Guyz Bait and Tackle. Steve is a local businessman dedicated to making baits designed to catch fish in our waters.
If you want to learn about fishing our local waters please attend our next meeting on Wednesday, October 14th, 6 PM at the Cape Coral Power Squadron. I hope to see you on the water!
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Dan Carney
President
Reel Anglers Fishing Club
www.reelanglersfishingclub.com
