From the archives: This report reflects conditions and fishing observations at the time it was written. Seasonal patterns and regulations may have changed.
October has started quietly. As locals, we keep an eye on tropical weather as hurricane season winds down. This year, cooler temperatures and more frequent windy spells seemed to be arriving early. After a very warm summer, that change was welcome.
Bayside fishing and lobstering
With the off-season and plenty of windy days, reports were limited. I’d spent much of the past few weeks fishing the shallow bayside for mangrove snapper. The fish were biting well, and my groups were reaching their limits on good-sized fish. It’s a straightforward option for families and beginners, with enough action to keep experienced anglers busy too.
Visibility in many of my lobster spots had stayed clear, and the pressure on the fishery had eased. On one trip, a customer found seven keeper lobster in two spots near the end of the day. It was encouraging to see lobster filling back into familiar areas. In that report, the water was still around 84 degrees, but the season was approaching its end—another reminder that conditions and timing can change quickly.
Reef and offshore action
On the ocean side, the yellowtail snapper bite was becoming more consistent, though wind had kept me bayside. As the water cooled, I expected more grouper, snapper in shallower areas, and cero mackerel. Ceros are fast, aggressive, and excellent on the table—one of my favorite fish to chase.
Offshore, late-season dolphin were showing up for some boats, with tripletail and the occasional wahoo around floating debris. Blackfin and skipjack tuna were the main targets farther out. When the current was moving and there wasn’t much grass in the water, the bite could be excellent. Sharks were thick, though, and sometimes took hooked tuna before we could land them. It can be frustrating, so offshore fishing takes teamwork, quick reactions, and the right conditions.
Stay flexible with fall conditions
I’d also had inquiries from people new to lobstering and spearfishing. Both activities depend heavily on sea conditions and experience. A day that feels manageable for one group can be a tough outing for another. I’ll talk through the options and choose a plan with the whole group in mind. If the weather isn’t suitable for an in-water trip, a shallow snapper trip can be a good backup.
That’s the update from the water. If you’re planning a trip and want to talk through which activity might suit your group, send me a note and we’ll go over the options.
