Archived October 2018 report: Fishing observations, lobster conditions, and charter activities below reflect that period. Confirm current offerings before booking.
We are about halfway through the quiet season, and I have been using the time between trips to update and upgrade the boat. Most activities have been worthwhile when conditions cooperate. Not the best, not the worst—somewhere in the middle, with each day giving us different opportunities.
Early and Late Fishing Still Works Best
Fall is here, but the water remains warm and most days are still hot. Lower-light periods early and late have offered the best fishing, with cloudy weather sometimes helping extend the bite.
Yellowtail and mangrove snapper fishing has been pretty good on the reef. Mangroves are also moving back toward the bayside, showing up around lobster holes and wrecks. Those shallower areas give us useful alternatives on windy days, when we can often find calmer conditions and good fishing closer to the islands.
Offshore Tuna and the Race Past the Sharks
Tuna fishing offshore has been really good, but getting hooked fish past the sharks is another matter. On some trips, only about half have made it to the boat. We have been getting plenty of opportunities, but landing them can be quite a race!
Dolphin, also called mahi-mahi, have been scattered. We may come across a group while working offshore, but finding them has depended on being in the right place at the right time. Tuna have been the more reliable target.
Lobstering Has Required Some Adjustments
Lobstering is still among our options, although many of my usual spots have been slow or inconsistent since the season opened. I have been exploring different areas and adjusting the approach to give my guests worthwhile opportunities.
I understand that a lobster charter is a significant part of your vacation budget. You want a good experience and a catch to bring home. I work toward that with you, but I cannot predict the number of keepers your group will catch.
Some newer areas have been productive, but they are sensitive to tidal conditions and can be more challenging than my open-water spots. Lobsters move, visibility changes, and the places holding opportunities are not always the easiest places to dive.
Working efficiently lets us visit more spots during the time available. That gives us more chances, rather than a guaranteed catch. We still need to work within the conditions and everybody’s abilities.
Make Sure the Activity Fits Your Group
Please review the participation requirements in my lobster information before booking. Every active diver needs to be comfortable locating lobster, reaching them, and using the catching equipment underwater. Seeing one from the surface is a good start, but there is still some work between “I see it!” and getting it aboard.
Guests regularly find lobstering more demanding than expected. Come prepared to learn and work together, while staying within your limits. If you are uncertain about the diving involved, tell me before reserving so we can discuss whether another outing would be a better fit.
For this October 2018 outlook, I expected suitable lobster charter conditions to continue into early November before our winter pattern limited those trips. That was my anticipated operating window, rather than the legal end of lobster season.
Enjoying the Quieter Fall Season
With fewer crowds and time to give the boat some attention, I am looking forward to more fall adventures. We still have heat, wind, and rain to consider, but a good day on the water here is hard to beat.
Thank you to everybody who has supported my business and recommended me to friends and family. I work hard to give you a day worth returning for. Sharing the local knowledge, the learning, and the variety of things we can do here is what keeps me excited about this business.
Want to talk through a fall fishing or lobster outing? Call me at (305) 481-0589. After 6 p.m. is generally the best time to reach me once my day on the water is finished. Leave a voicemail if I miss you, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
