October 2010 Fishing Forecast
SouthShore Tampa Bay
October is here and the thunderstorms will start to wind down as we get farther into October. However, We will have to keep an eye south for any tropical development and keep an eye north for the cool fronts that bring that dreaded north west wind. Water temperatures will begin to drop from the mid 80's to the low to mid 70's by month end. With the cooling water temperatures we will begin to see fish and fishing become more and more active.
In early October I like to fish Snook and Redfish on the flats, but with the cold weather of last winter and the subsequent decline of our snook population I will be targeting more redfish trout and mackerel through this fall season.
The Redfish will be grouping up and should be easy to spot on the clear flats on the Southshore of Tampa Bay. Also, look for redfish around mangroves and oyster bars and I like using small pinfish about the size of the palm of your hand under a cork.
I would expect the trout to be on the flats in the early fall and as the weather gets cooler trout will move into deeper areas near the river mouths and passes. I do expect to see a good number of big trout caught this year due to less food and habitat competition from the declined snook population. I like to find grass in the 4-foot plus range and fish the trout with a popping cork. You can fish trout with live Shrimp or greenbacks. Another good technique for trot is to use a DOA Shrimp under a popping cork. This works very well from now through the spring season.
Spanish Mackerel will also be around through mid to late October or until the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70's. I fish mackerel with live greenbacks and usually chum with a frozen chum bag.
I do expect a few Tarpon to be around but winding down as the month gets older. I have caught tarpon in open water as late as the 1st week of November. That is being the exception not the rule. There are a few Tarpon that stay in Tampa Bay year round but the bite is a bit tough. Look for Tarpon at the river mouths around Palm, Alafia, Little Manatee and the Manatee Rivers.
Capt. Danny Guarino
D.R. Guarino Charters
813-956-2010
SHPOINT@AOL.COM
www.Fishingguidetampabay.com