Here’s what to expect and how to target the most popular species this month.
1. Inshore Fishing: Redfish & Speckled Trout
October marks the height of the “bull red” run in the Venice inshore waters, and it’s also when speckled trout fishing begins to turn on with a vengeance. The cooling water temperatures push baitfish and shrimp out of the marsh, and the predators follow them into the main bays, passes, and nearshore rig systems.
- Target Species: Redfish (Slot and Bull), Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Flounder.
- What to Catch Them On:
- Live Bait: Live or dead shrimp and croakers are always a top choice, fished under a popping cork or on a Carolina rig.
- Artificials: This is the perfect time to throw artificial lures. For redfish, try gold or silver spinnerbaits with plastic tails (like a chartreuse or purple paddle-tail). Soft plastics on a jig head or under a popping cork are deadly for both redfish and trout. Look for baits that mimic a shrimp or baitfish.
- Where to Fish: Focus on the mouths of bayous where they connect to larger bays and passes, as this is where the bait will be flushing out. Look for schools of feeding redfish crashing bait on the surface. For speckled trout, fish over oyster reefs and along deep-water cuts.
2. Rig Fishing: The “Oil Rig” Bite
The oil rigs nearshore and in state waters act as miniature ecosystems, providing structure and cover for bait, which in turn attracts large predatory fish. This is a great option when the weather is too rough to go deep offshore, but you still want to target bigger fish.
- Target Species: Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper (if season is open), Cobia,Tripletail and Bull Reds.
- What to Catch Them On:
- Live Bait: Live pogies (menhaden), hardtails (blue runners), or croakers are a fantastic choice.
- Cut Bait: A chunk of fresh cut squid, bonita, or pogies can be very effective for bottom-dwelling species like snapper and grouper.
- Jigs: Vertical jigs or bucktail jigs can be used to target Cobia and large amberjack that are holding on the structure.
- Where to Fish: The key is to find a rig with good water clarity and current. Circle the rig and use your electronics to spot schools of bait or fish holding on the legs of the rig.
3. Offshore Fishing: Tuna, Wahoo, and more
This is what Venice is most famous for, and October delivers some of the best offshore action of the year. The cooler months bring the big yellowfin tuna closer to the coast, and a consistent bite can be found around the offshore floaters and shrimp boats.
- Target Species: Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Swordfish.
- What to Catch Them On:
- Live Bait: This is the most effective method for big yellowfin. Live hardtails (blue runners) or Live Pogies are a top choice. They can be slow-trolled or free-lined behind the boat. Squid baits are also essential for targeting Swordfish.
- Chunking: Chopping up pogies or other oily baitfish and tossing them into the water is a great way to bring
Yellowfin tuna to the surface. - Trolling: Trolling with high-speed lures is the preferred method for targeting Wahoo, which will often be found around floating debris or weed lines.
- Where to Fish: Look for the floating oil rigs (floaters) and the “Lump,” a well-known underwater salt dome. Also, keep an eye out for shrimp boats, as big yellowfin will often follow them, feeding on the bycatch. Finding a good color change or temperature break is also a great sign of productive water.
This is a general overview, and as always, the best reports come from experienced local captains. Book a trip with a professional guide to ensure you’re in the right place at the right time. Tight lines! Book a trip Book a trip