2 minute read
E bb & F low
White-tails and Redfish
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By Trey Leggett
In typical southern fashion, here we are in October and still having above normal temperatures. In September we only had a few days of cool weather, but just like that they were gone and we were back into the mid- to upper-90s. I can promise you one thing though, life and season cycles may slow down, but they won’t stop completely. October is the beginning of fall and with that comes deer gun season, big bull redfish, and a better than average spotted sea trout bite.
Hunting Notes
So far, my crew and I have struck out during bow season for white-tailed deer. The work has been put in on the property, stands and blinds are strategically placed, and signs are on the ground and on the trail cameras. We’re just waiting on those cooler temps to hopefully change the deer’s travel habits.
I had some issues with my bow early on … to tell the truth it was actually issues with my shooting. That has been corrected and upgraded and I’m excited to deer hunt this entire season with my bow (except my hunting trip to Texas).
Fishing Notes
I’ve seen reports of anglers fishing the beaches and reeling in big bull redfish. A good setup for this type of fishing would include:
1) A 7- to 12-foot medium to medium-heavy rod (as long as it has a fast tip)
2) 30-pound braid or monofilament line
3) A 7-foot monofilament leader in the 80- to 100-pound range
4) A 6/0 to 9/0 circle hook
5) Three ounces of weight, or more depending on the speed of the water current. A pyramid or spider sinker is best.
Cut mullet makes for a tasty bait for the big reds, but cut whiting or ladyfish are even better. A good sand spike that’s properly anchored in the sand is a must unless you want to be constantly fixing it or chasing your rod into the water when a big fish slams it. Cast out as far as you can, then sit back and enjoy the beach until you get a bite.
September, October and November are my favorite times of the year to target spotted sea trout, aka speckled trout. I enjoy throwing soft plastic swim baits and imitation shrimp to illicit bites, but I’m not above tossing a live shrimp or mud minnow with a khale hook under a popping cork with about a 2 ½-foot to 3-foot leader. Using a popping cork rig is also a great way to get kids involved in fishing fun. Speckled trout are a very tasty fish and are perfect for when you want to do a fish fry with some friends or family.
With this being the October Oyster Issue of Southern Tides, I would be remiss if I didn’t include something about oysters. I like to eat oysters raw, steamed, or baked. I like them with or without hot sauce. I’ve heard they’re some sort of aphrodisiac, but I don’t know much about Greek Mythology, I just like to eat oysters!
Stay safe and tight lines.
