October 2009 Fishing Forecast
SouthShore Tampa Bay
Capt. Danny Guarino
D.R. Guarino Charters
813-956-2010
October is here and the thunderstorms will start to wind down as we get farther into October. However, We will have to keep an eye out for the cool fronts that bring that dreaded north west wind. Water temperatures will begin to drop from the mid 80’s to the low to mid 70’s by month end. With the cooling water temperatures we will begin to see fish become more active.
In early October I like to fish Snook and Redfish on the flats. Snook are on the flats but will be on the move headed toward there winter time spots as the weather begins to cool later in the month. This transition will be completed by mid November. The Redfish will be grouping up and should be easy to spot on the clear flats on the Southshore of Tampa Bay. Also look for redfish around mangroves and oyster bars.
Tarpon bite will still be good on but winding down as the month gets older. I have caught tarpon in open water as late as the 1st week of November. That is being the exception not the rule.
Spanish Mackerel will also be around through mid to late October or until the water temperature starts to drop into the low 70’s. I fish mackerel with live greenbacks and usually chum with a frozen chum bag.
The trout bite continues to be slow but will pick up as the weather starts to cool. I like to find grass in the 4-foot plus range and fish the trout with a popping cork. You can fish trout with Shrimp or greenbacks.
