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| October |
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| Fresh
Fall |
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| The
Fall brings an unstable but refreshing weather pattern here
in the Florida Keys. There will be several days with light
winds followed by a front with days of high winds and rain.
The question that I get asked the most by customers is, “how
does rainfall affect the backcountry fishing?” Think
of the entire Everglades National Park as a funnel of canals
leading into Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
When there are significant rain events, especially hurricanes
due to their widespread heavy rains, there is a strong push
of fresh (rain) water out of the Everglades and into Florida
Bay, Biscayne Bay and the Gulf. This push of fresh water will
cause the salinity levels (percentage of salt in the water)
to drastically drop. The sudden rush of fresh water will push
the fish from the internal bays and waterways of the Everglades
out into the bays in search of higher salinity levels. The
key to fishing after a storm is to find an area where fish
will be moving to evade the fresh water flow.
Throughout Florida Bay there are runoffs from shallow bays
and marsh ponds that will drain into the bay after a storm.
These runoffs don’t show up on any chart, the only way
to find them is by spending time working shorelines. The larger
more well known runoffs are easy to find, but the smaller
lesser known outflows are more productive since there’s
less fishing pressure.
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Once
you find a runoff that will funnel the fish towards your location,
stake the boat and cast your baits upstream towards the mouth.
You can expect to catch snook, redfish, tarpon and jack cravelles
as they feed on the mullet and other baitfish being flushed
out. These fish are will normally eat artificials that mimic
the prevalent baitfish. The water is normally tanic or dark
brown so use darker colored baits such as black/gold and silver/black.
Take some time to review your charts and aerial photos looking
for areas that will funnel fish as they leave the backcountry
bays and ponds
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On
the oceanside, fall brings cooler waters and some of the best
catches of bonefish and permit on the flats. The cooler water
temperatures will provide productive fishing conditions throughout
the day. The bonefish will move on and off the crowns of the
flats with the tide. On the calmer days keep an eye out for
tailing fish, as they forage for small crabs and shrimp in
the bottom. Another tell tale sign of hungry fish is puffs
of mud also created by the bones eating and stirring up the
bottom. The permit will be out in the deeper water off the
edge of the flat. Sea fans and coral heads in the 3-5 foot
range provide great habitat for permit. As with bonefish,
permit will also tail in calm conditions as they float on
the surface. If you plan to head out after the bones and permit
make sure to bring along a few dozen live shrimp and silver-dollar
blue crabs.
On the offshore scene, you can expect a mixed bag of species
this time of year. If you like to troll, there is still some
good dolphin fishing in the upper keys from 10-30 miles out.
Just look for the usual signs of good areas such as birds,
debris, and weed lines. The next couple of months will bring
in a good run of sailfish just outside the reef line. Closer
to the reef, you can expect to find plenty of blackfin tunas
mixed in with some kingfish and wahoo. For the blackfins you
can high speed troll small feathers outside the reef. If you
start getting cut-off by kingfish and wahoo, switch to wire
leaders to catch some of these drag screamers. Yellowtail
fishing has been good when the wind and current are cooperating.
Makes sure to drop down a ballyhoo or speedo plug on a stouter
rod for the mutton snappers and groupers. If the fishing on
the reef is slow, move out to the 60-100 foot range and find
some structure to anchor on. If you would like to book an
offshore charter call the Key Largo Fishing Guides Association
at (305) 451-9493. |
The
6th annual Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge is
set to take place October 13th-15th at Sundowners Restaurant
in Key Largo. This charity event is an all release tournament
for snook and redfish. Please contact Capt. Tony DelosSantos,
(305) 522-4724 for additional information.
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Til’ next time, Tight Lines and Light Winds…….
Captain
Lain
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