October 2011 Fishing Forecast
SouthShore Tampa Bay
October is here and the thunderstorms will start to wind down as we get farther into the month. Water temperatures will begin to drop from the mid 80’s to the mid 70’s by month end. With the cooling water temperatures we will see fish become more active.
In early October I like to fish for Snook, Trout and Redfish on the flats, but with the cold weather of 2010 and the subsequent decline of our snook population we will be targeting more redfish and trout and limiting our focus on snook through this fall season.
The Redfish started to group up a little early this year. Look for redfish around mangroves and oyster bars and try using small pinfish about the size of the palm of your hand for bait and put them under a popping cork. This is a great way to present your baits this time of year
The trout will move into deeper areas near the river mouths and passes as the water temperature begins to fall. Expect to see a good number of big trout caught this fall season, this mostly due to less competition from the declined snook population. Look for grass in the 4-foot plus range. Try fishing for trout with shrimp under a popping cork. Another good technique for trout is to use an Artificial (DOA) Shrimp under a popping cork. This type of rig will work very well from now through the spring season.
We can’t go into October without a mention of the Third Annual Hooked on Hope Inshore Fishing Tournament to benefit Dr. Charles E. Cox and the University of South Florida Breast Health Program. The Hooked on Hope Inshore Fishing Tournament is By far one on the best tournaments in the Tampa Bay area and has generated over $80,000.00 since its inception.
Participants will enjoy a day of fishing on boats provided by the tournament and equipped with a professionally licensed and insured charter fishing captain. Men, women, and children of all skill levels will experience a joyous day for an important cause.
This Year’s Tournament will be held at the Magnuson Hotel and Marina Cove (formerly Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort) in St. Petersburg, FL. The festivities start on Friday October 7, 2011 with a kick off reception and silent auction followed on Saturday October 8, 2011 with the fishing Tournament and Awards Banquet.
For more information on the Hooked on Hope Inshore Fishing Tournament please contact Lori Deaton at 813.967.5032 or visit their web site at http://www.hookedonhope.org
October is a great month to fish Tampa Bay. Please try to get out and enjoy this great area we live in.
Capt. Danny Guarino
D.R. Guarino Charters
813-956-2010
www.Fishingguidetampabay.com
