Story and photography by Danno Wise

There’s a myriad of reasons for the uptick in action with dropping temperatures one of the main reasons fish why begin to shallow.

Without fail, October delivers some of the finest inshore fishing of the year along the Texas Gulf Coast. There is a myriad of reasons for the uptick in action during the tenth month. For one, by October, there is at least a hint of autumn in the air. This is true even during the warmest of years. Additionally, in the weeks leading up to Halloween, there tends to be a plethora of fish, but a dearth of fishermen found on Texas bays. Each of these factors, plus several others, play an important role in what is typically outstanding fall shallow water fishing.

The dropping temperatures are the one of the main reasons fish why begin to move shallower during October. These more moderate temps are also largely why fish become more active and aggressive this time of year. Without fail, the water along the Texas Coast becomes cooler during the first few months of October. This happens even in the warmest of years.

Water temperatures drop for a variety of reason. Obviously one is by then the first few fronts of the year have pushed through and air temperatures are dropping, even if only slightly. The days are also shorter, meaning there is less time for the sun to warm the water each day.

Given this year is predicted to have a strong El Nino system in place, the change may be even more distinct. However, regardless, of the ambient air conditions, October tends to see the water temperature in that Goldilocks range – not too cold, not too hot – just right.

Another thing that makes October shallow water fishing especially enticing is the variety of fish found in the shallows starting this month. There will be wide variety of fish available including speckled trout of all sizes, redfish, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead. Along the Lower Coast, snook will still be hanging out on the flats as well.

************************************************************************
To read more, click here to SUBSCRIBE