October Kickoff to a Wonderful Fall Season
With the passing of a few more cool fronts, and possibly a real cold front or two in October, many changes will occur on San Antonio Bay. Trout spawning will be done for the year, which is the catalyst that triggers lots of feeding activity during spring and summer, however, the changes in barometric pressure associated with frontal passages can also incite aggressive feeding behavior. Timed right with the weather, some bigger trout can be caught during these periods of rising or falling pressures.
Areas that we fished all summer will remain effective but, changing the way we work them or even the baits we use can trick these better fish into striking. During times of falling temps, Corkys can be especially productive. Then, on the flip-side, a couple days later when the air and water temperatures have recovered, topwaters can be very effective.
During the early mornings of these cool downs, targeting drains on main bay shorelines or deep drop-offs with oyster shell will usually be key for us. I always think of areas like this as refuge areas for trout and reds. They have the deeper water for protection, and the adjacent shallows to hunt and ambush baitfish. When we are throwing soft plastics in areas such as this, a quarter ounce jig head can come into play. I always make sure I have a couple in my box for such instances.
As the days tend to warm up to what we call normal fall temps, we start looking at the shallow grass flats next to the drains, or perhaps the tops of reefs. One thing you need to remember is that the shallow sand will heat up faster than any other water. So, as you shed your morning jacket, remember the fish are looking to do the same thing and warm up a bit.
Now, our other favorite activity in October is to play the backside of a passing front for some unbelievable sight-casting. Usually, the window is 2-4 days after a front, a period that provides sunny skies and light ENE to East winds. This makes for some good water color in area back-lakes and grass flats. Redfish typically show up in big numbers during late September and October as they are schooling in preparation for their spawning migration to the gulf.
Crisp mornings that warrant a heavier jacket for the boat ride, with little to no wind, are some of my favorite sight-casting days. Days like this, I know the fish will stay active all day long, and the minute the sun breaks the morning clouds the redfish activity can become explosive. As the sun starts to heat the shallows and daytime temps climb, sitting “Power-Poled down” for hours in the right areas can lead to endless opportunities at fish cruising shallow bars or ledges.
Speaking of cooler weather, we are now taking bookings for our Port Mansfield winter trophy trout trips. These trips are all catch and release, with respect for all the local anglers and guides in that area. We are strictly looking for your personal best trout, whatever size that may be. All wading with artificial lures, we offer a special fishing format for making the best of the Texas weather. If you have never fished in the Lower Laguna, don’t sit at home another winter. Give us a call to fish some of the finest waters on the Texas Coast.
Each year in the Lower Laguna since the 2021 freeze has been just a bit better. From 4 to 5 pound fish the first year after the freeze we progressed to 5 to 7 pounders, and then to 8 and 8.5 pounders. Last year we were seeing good numbers of 8.5 pounders and some pushing close to or right at 10 pounds. I’m thinking we are back on track for seeing the quality of fish I have recorded in my log book from 2019 until the freeze came in 2021.
Captain Nathan Beabout
USCG/TPWD Licensed
Full time guide since 2007
Seadrift, Port O’Connor, & Port Mansfield, TX
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