Top Saltwater Fish to Catch in Florida in October

Top Saltwater Fish to Catch in Florida in October

1. Snook

• Where: Inshore, near mangroves, docks, and bridges.
• Why October?: The fall is prime time for snook as they move from the beaches back into rivers and estuaries. Cooler waters make them more active.
• Best Baits: Live shrimp, pilchards, and topwater plugs.

2. Redfish

• Where: Inshore, especially in shallow flats and estuaries.
• Why October?: Redfish gather in large schools for spawning, making them easier to target. The flats and backwaters of Florida are perfect for sight fishing during this month.
• Best Baits: Mullet, crabs, or artificial spoons and jigs.

3. Kingfish (King Mackerel)

• Where: Offshore, near reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs.
• Why October?: As part of their fall migration, large schools of kingfish move through Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf waters, especially off the Palm Beach coast.
• Best Baits: Slow-trolled live baits like blue runners and mullet.

4. Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish)

• Where: Offshore, near weed lines and current edges in deeper waters.
• Why October?: The fall migration of mahi-mahi peaks around this time, with good-sized fish still accessible before waters cool further.
• Best Baits: Trolled ballyhoo, squid, or lures.

5. Spanish Mackerel

• Where: Nearshore waters, jetties, and piers.
• Why October?: Spanish mackerel gather close to shore in large schools, following baitfish migrations along the coast.
• Best Baits: Silver spoons, Gotcha plugs, or live pilchards.

6. Grouper

• Where: Offshore, near reefs, ledges, and wrecks.
• Why October?: Grouper fishing improves with cooler waters, and both gag and red grouper are active this time of year.
• Best Baits: Live pinfish, grunts, or chunks of sardines.

7. Tarpon

• Where: Inshore and near passes, bridges, and river mouths.
• Why October?: Although the prime tarpon season is in the summer, some areas, particularly in South Florida, still offer excellent tarpon action through October.
• Best Baits: Live mullet, crabs, or topwater lures.

8. Cobia

• Where: Nearshore reefs, wrecks, and sometimes following rays or sharks.
• Why October?: Cobia begin to migrate south as temperatures cool, making this an ideal time to target them. They are known to follow bait schools along the coast.
• Best Baits: Live crabs, eels, or artificial jigs.

October Fishing Tips

• Weather Watch: Keep an eye on cold fronts, as fish become more active before and after these changes.
• Bait Runs: October is peak season for baitfish migrations (such as mullet), which attracts many predatory fish. Following these bait schools can lead to incredible fishing.
• Tackle Prep: With many species like kingfish and tarpon still active, make sure your gear is strong enough to handle fast, hard-running fish.

Whether you prefer inshore action with snook and redfish or the thrill of chasing kingfish, mahi-mahi, and cobia offshore, October is a fantastic month to be on the water in Florida. And if you need gear, don't forget to visit Fishing Headquarters in Jupiter or shop their online store at FishingHeadquarters.net to ensure you’re fully stocked for your adventure.