 The inshore waters of Clearwater have cooled down considerably during October. The water temperature in this area has dropped under the 75 degree mark. This is a relief for all of the fish species that have spent the summer months in 85 to 90 degree waters. Not to mention that it’s a big reprieve for most of the fishermen as well.
Fishing in the fall, around Clearwater and St Joseph Sound, takes on a different look. As the weather and water temps fall, all of the species will start their push to fall and winter haunts in the bays and back waters. The best scenario would be a slow decrease in weather and water temperature. The fish cannot tolerate a drastic drop in either one. Keeping up with the fish movements this time of year is almost a daily event.
Kyle, Kody and Dean came out fishing for a day in the middle of September. The water temperature was still warm at 86 degrees. We caught trout, mackerel, lady fish and even a grouper in the Clearwater Bay waters. Then we moved north to Dunedin and caught more trout, a shark and a cobia in St Joseph Sound. Most of the trout caught this time of year are on the small size. As we were fishing around one of the spoil islands, Kody had one of his baits picked up by something that took off and never looked back. The fish, I’m guessing a shark, spooled the line all the way to the backing before breaking off. Kody could only watch as the line screamed off the reel. Of course, Kyle and Dean kept teasing Kody and would not let it go.
Later September, John and Diane came aboard to test the action of Clearwater Bay. It was just as hot as it has been all summer. They caught trout of all sizes, lady fish, mackerel and a shark or two. The action slowed as the tide reached near low.
Mike, Adam and Tomas rounded out September with multiple catches of trout and mackerel. Also in Clearwater, they caught a few sharks which adds a lot of excitement to the action. We won’t mention the catfish that were caught.
Most recently, I had clients, Pete and Trish, out the first week of October. The water temperature had cooled down to 78 degrees. We found plenty of trout, lady fish and some blue fish throughout the bay waters. Then we moved into the shallow water flats of Clearwater where we found a few redfish and small snook. Catching a snook, redfish and trout gave them an inshore slam. Even though the length of all three fish was only 56 inches, it was still a slam. Nice catch Eric and Trish.
The second week of October, the water temp was 73. I had fishermen Eric and Doug out for the day. We caught trout, redfish, lady fish, mackerel and blue fish throughout the bay. All of the fish were caught over grass flats in Clearwater using white bait. We put in some time looking for a snook with no luck. The trout will get much bigger and the redfish will start to school up as we move into November and December.
Fall fishing in Clearwater and Dunedin can be the most exciting time to be out on the water. As the water temps cool, the fish become very active. The bait is still plentiful and will stay around until colder temperatures prevail. You can pick your species to target and most of the time you will catch’em. And just think, there are no more 95 degree temperatures to worry about. Enjoy.
Capt. Gary Burch
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