The fishing in Destin, Florida in October is arguably the best time of year to fish.
The trolling bite is the best it gets all year.
We will usually see a good number of blackfin tuna move in closer to shore. Live bait trolling can bring you some bites, but it’s important to stay away from wire leaders if targeting only tuna. Trolling lures for blackfins is usually the most productive. It’s a good idea to troll around bait balls you see busting on top, and around flocks of birds. Another fish that moves in during this time is sailfish. This is not a very common catch, but in October the number caught is usually higher than any other month. They tend to eat live bait the best.
The king mackerel bite also picks up considerably, the Spanish mackerel and botina are also biting very consistently. Slow trolling live baits, or trolling lures around the pass, tends to be productive early in the morning, and later in the afternoon. During the day trolling is best done over a bottom that has lots of bait present.
Bottom fishing is also very good during October. Certain years red snapper even get an extra season during the weekends in October. The main target when bottom fishing is typically vermillion snapper.
Vermillion snapper are one of the best eating fish in the Gulf of Mexico, although they are not the hardest fighting fish, they are still a good little fight. Most of the fishing for vermilions is done over a natural bottom, on two hook rigs. The bait used for these fish is usually squid, bonito chunks, or salted mackerel.
Trigger fish are also typically in season during the month of October. They are caught the same way as vermilions, and are a wonderful addition to the dinner table.
Grouper fishing can be pretty good in October. Fishing large baits on a Carolina rig close to the bottom can bring some nice gags up. Occasionally you will also come across red grouper, and scamp grouper.
Mangrove snapper are often caught will bottom fishing as well. Amberjack can also be targeted and bite good during October. They are best targeted by dropping down large live baits around shipwrecks.
If you are looking to go fishing during the month of October then jump over to the Book Now page to see the details including our prices.
Don’t forget to check out our boats that we have for you to go fishing in Destin! Be sure to have a look at the Destin, Florida September Fishing Report if you are planning an September fishing trip to Destin, Florida anytime soon.
