As an offshore guide, I often am asked what the best times of year to go fishing are. My answer always includes October because of the tremendous amount of fish, in quantity and species available.
Last week we caught kingfish, Spanish mackerel, grouper, amberjack, mangrove snapper, red snapper, blackfin tuna, bonita and blacktip sharks. There also are cobia, late-season tarpon, wahoo and dolphin. It doesn't get much better than October.
The initial push of kingfish is here, and they are being caught on artificial reefs and in shipping channels. Many boats are catching their limits trolling spoons behind No. 2 or 3 planers at 5 or 6 knots. The largest fish will be caught with live bait, and most anglers will use the largest blue runners they can find. The large bait will cut down on strikes but will entice bigger fish.
Most boats will fish six rods, two downriggers, two short baits and two long baits staggered so they won't tangle. Some of the more successful boats will vary the length of the line to make it look as if a bait is trying to catch up to the school. Many times that is all it takes to lure a monster into your live-bait spread.
- Mike Whitman charters the Mega Bite out of Gulfport. Call 727 384-5729 or e-mail capt@megabitecharters.com
