Historically the feed goes on for 3 to 4 weeks so if you haven't got out yet the clock is ticking. Once it is over you will have to wait until next year.
The redfish and snook have been feeding really well also. We aren't seeing any huge school but there have been smaller schools all over. Everyone I talk to that fished the river regularly has been catching plenty of reds in their favorite spots. As for the snook, they are everywhere also. It has just been a mater of fishing the inside of the bait near trees, docks or rocks.
We have also been finding a lot of schools of jacks and ladyfish. So dust off your rods and go fishing.
Redfish
We have been catching a lot of upper slot to just over slot sized reds all over the river. The best part of it has been they are happy to take a top water plug. Our best catches have come on the 3.25 Rip Roller in Green Back, Florida Special and Red Head. We haven't had to worry about these fish being spooky so work it as hard as you want. We have also had pretty good luck with the 3.25 High Roller in the same colors. Both of these lures can be a little hard to find so if you find some buy as many as you can. The Fly Fisherman in Titusville has a pretty good stock on most of them.
We have been finding a few reds over 30 pounds but they are the spooky ones. Most of these fish are holding closer to the deeper edge of the flats. Most of the fish we have seen have been eating needle fish so I would throw the 4.25 Green Back High Roller. This is a lure the guys at High Roller made for me about 6 years ago for reds feeding on needles. It has a great walk the dog but I like to mix it up a little and give it a firmer tap and make it do a short skip every no and again.
Since the water is pretty murky they have been hard to see so take your time and leave your trolling motor at home. I know I preach this all the time but take it from someone that has boat thousands of reds over 30 pounds on artificial for over 35 years. You will put more of these big fish in the boat if you pole, wade, stake out, anchor up or drift.
Trout
The trout fishing has been pretty good but most of the fish we are catching are below the 15 inch minimum. Just as with everything else we have been catching more on top water than on anything else. We have put a few larger trout in the boat in the same areas we have been fishing the snook but it has been rare.
Snook and Tarpon
There here and ready to test you skills. I tell most people I meet that ask about tarpon fishing that they are one fish that will test every skill you thought you had. Between the jumps, runs and rolls they will show you who's in charge. So far things are looking like we are going to have another great top water year so here are a few tricks I have learned over the years.
When I fish top water I have had my best luck with the 3.25 Rip Roller, however, this lure comes with #4 hooks. In the past I have lost a lot of fish because the hooks are too small. So what I do is leave the #4 on the front and put a #2 on the back. This makes the front of the lure ride a little higher in the water and gives me a bigger hook to try and stick the fish.
Sharpen your hooks! I like to use a Daiichi #2 XXXX Strong Wide Gap Bleeding Trebles. This is a extremely sharp hook to start with, but I still like to hit it once or twice just to make sure.
Rip the lure through the water! This drives the fish crazy. Also don't stop your retrieve. When tarpon are feeding they are an incredible predator. When you strip a lure or fly away from them the instinctual chase kicks in and they will dog it down just out of spite.
Be ready for the strike! I watch so many people work a lure hopping it will eat but seem to forget about what to do when it does. When that fish busts a top water plug it usually does so as it is coming out of the water. You can't set the hook on a jump. All you can do is pray the lure is still in its mouth when it hits the water and give your hook-set when it lands. Once you do this it is going to jump again so be ready.
Don't forget to "bow to the king". With most smaller tarpon, that is those below 60 pounds you don't really have to bow to them but you do need to drop slack in your line. That is one of the things that makes fishing the smaller tarpon such a blast. They love to jump! This makes fighting one look like more of a sword fight that someone fighting a fish. You up, then down, then pointing your rod, then back to up again.
Relax, I tell people all the time that fishing for tarpon is one of the only fish I know of I have to take a zantac before I go fishing for. They will drive you insane if you let them so remember fishing is fun, if you lose one , and you will, take a second and relax then get back in the game.
The snook bite has been pretty good also. unlike most of the year the fishing can be good for them all day this time of year. It's all about the bait. We have had some good luck with the 3.25 Rip Roller in Florida Special and Golf Coast Special. The trick has been finding lots of bait near shorelines or downed branches.
For those of you wanting to book a trip with me I still have a few days still open. The 3rd week of October is gone but I have a day or two every other week still open. The only weekend days I have are the 6th and 27th.
until next time.....
Get out there and catch a memory.
Capt. Doug Blanton
www.SightFishing.com
To book a trip with Capt Doug click here or call 321-432-9470