OCTOBER FISHING REPORT

November 7, 2018

INSHORE FISHING

The mullet run is happening now along the beaches of Fort Lauderdale. Huge schools of mullet are along our shoreline making their way south. You can see them right off the beach. These schools of mullet look like a big dark shadow in the water, some the size of a bus, moving slowly parallel to the shore. All kinds of gamefish follow behind these schools, picking off the slower swimming and injured mullet. We like to come in to the shallows this time of year and fish near these schools. You can catch huge King Meckel, Sailfish, Cobia, Barracuda and every kind of shark you can think of. Best bait to fish in these mullet dead or alive. For a live mullet, clip a piece of the tail off so it is bleeding and swimming in an injured manner. Make sure to use appropriate gear and lean on the heavier side with 25-50# tackle. You would be surprised at the monster fish you can catch just a few hundred yards off the beach. These fish are in 25 to 150 ft. of water.

OFFSHORE FISHING

October to me spells swordfish! There is typically a good push of swordfish off south Florida in October. This is a good time to target swordfish both day and night. Daytime swordfish require deep drop tackle. Fishing for swordfish at night can be laid back relaxing fun.

Aside from the time of year, wind speed and direction are big factors for determining the best depth to fish for Mahi-Mahi. When looking at the wind it is important to consider conditions on the day you fish in addition to a few days prior to your outing. With little to no wind, weed lines usually start in about 1000 feet of water and you may fish as deep as 1800 feet. If you are fishing after a few days of moderate east wind, the seaweed, floating debris and baitfish may get pushed closer to shore. If this is the case, the fish may be in 800-1100 feet of water. Making a long run is counterproductive on days like this because you may overshoot the most productive areas. The key thing is to look for cover. Remember to bring a good set of binoculars.

Tight Lines

Captain Steve DeBlauwe