This fishing report, for the southeast of Florida and the Fort Lauderdale area, is by Fanntastic Fishing, an upscale charter fishing service.
As we enter October, we have already experienced our first cold front taking temperatures to a brisk 71 degrees. While this may seem like a small thing to you, especially if you live up north, down here this slight drop can mean all kinds of good news for the fishing. With this kind of drop, the Mullet and other baitfish are moving south as the sea water temperatures cool. The other day in very close to shore, Mahi-mahi were seen chasing Ballyhoo in only 11' of water. You could almost cast to them from shore.
While the Dolphin fishing has been on the rise, the Kingfish and Bonito are slowing down some. The Bonito will mostly vacate the area except for the rare few soon and the Kings come and go. Right now has been in a lull period partially due to the full moon we're experiencing.
But trolling is still in the cards. October is an excellent time for the small Sailfish to make their appearance before the larger fish get here in November and later winter. Fishing live bait will soon be replacing trolling for the Sails, Wahoo and Tuna that come. The big Kings are also not far behind.
While this is mostly surface action, this time of year is when we turn to bottom fishing for Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack and more. The Amberjack in this picture gave George quite the fight, a 20 minute battle of tugging on both ends.
Cooler weather, winds from the northeast, ocean waters cooling? All great signs of changing conditions for fishing here off Fort Lauderdale. If you'll be in town for the International Boat Show at Bahia Mar, you might want to take half a day or so and give fishing a try. It's a blast!
Captain Steve
