During the coastal October Classic, inshore anglers have an opportunity to catch seven incredible species during the first full month of autumn.

Story and photography by Danno Wise

The culmination of each Major League Baseball season is the World Series, which is often referred to as the October Classic or Fall Classic. In many ways, it is also the zenith of Texas inshore fishing, resulting in light-tackle anglers looking forward to fall every bit as much as baseball players and fans. Just as the baseball purists yearn for seven games of high-quality ball during the October Classic, inshore anglers in the Lone Star State have an opportunity to catch seven incredible species during the first full month of autumn.

The thing that makes October so special for fishermen along the Texas coast isn’t just the sheer number of species they can target. Rather, it is the quality of fishing for each of those species that set this month apart. Often fishing for each of those species is equal or better during October than it is at any other time of year. In fact, early autumn is typically thought to be either the best or second best time of year to target quality specimens of each of the species on this list. Adding to the excitement is the fact anglers can often tally several of them in a single session. With a little luck and perseverance, as well as a good game plan, it is actually possible to catch all seven on the same day.

Game 1 – Redfish:  During October, redfish are the undisputed top draw throughout the entire Texas coast. Redfish will be prominent, seemingly everywhere over the next few weeks – jetties, flats, shorelines, reefs, etc. Everyone wants to tangle with redfish during October, so might as well roll them out during the opener.

Flats fishermen will often find ideal sight-casting opportunities for massive schools of slot reds this month. Indeed, October is at the top of the list when it comes to months that afford the most quality sight-casting days for light tackle and fly fishermen. Poling or wading the shallow flats with soft-plastics, gold spoons, or various crab or shrimp imitating flies can produce incredible results.

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