The Daily Catch | Fishing Report – October 2025
October has been one of those months where the weather keeps us on our toes. The wind hasn’t always been in our favor, so we’ve been sticking closer to shore and trolling for Spanish mackerel just off the beach. It hasn’t been the easiest fishing, but that’s part of the adventure. We’ve had to change things up from day to day, keeping safety at the forefront while still giving our guests a great trip. Even with the wind, staying consistent with our trolling is paying off, especially as we wait for the king mackerel—or kingfish—to make their big appearance. A patient angler today could be the one to hook a trophy fish tomorrow, and that’s what makes these trips exciting.
Nearshore Bottom Fishing Fun
Our shorter trips have been keeping things fun and varied. Bottom fishing close in has been great for Key West grunts, pufferfish, porgy, and seabass. Lately, we’ve been using a lot of shrimp to target hogfish and sardines to pull in mangrove snapper. The cooler water temperatures are bringing fish in a bit closer, which has made the gag grouper bite phenomenal. Unfortunately, with Florida’s shortened two-week season in early September, we’re limited to catch-and-release, but seeing these grouper feeding nearshore is still a thrill and gives us a good idea of what’s to come next season. There’s something really satisfying about a day of variety, where you never quite know what’s going to hit your line next.
Offshore Trips and Bigger Catches
On our longer trips, when the weather allows, the offshore fishing has been outstanding. Guests have been bringing in red grouper, mangrove snapper, lane snapper, and vermillion snapper—beautiful fish that make for a memorable day on the water. Even with some rougher days, it’s been a great month to get out there and enjoy all that the Gulf has to offer. These trips give a taste of everything, from the chase of a bigger grouper to the fun of filling your cooler with tasty snapper.
Weather and Gratitude
One thing we can all be thankful for this year is the break we’ve gotten from hurricanes and tropical storms. After Helene and Milton last year, it’s been a relief to see calmer conditions and get into the season without worrying about big storms. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the rest of the season stays peaceful, and we’re grateful to be able to do what we love safely and share it with our guests.
Looking Ahead
November is just around the corner, and we’re expecting bigger schools of kingfish to start showing up. That makes the chances of landing a trophy on a half-day trip really high, so it’s the perfect time to get out on the water. Between the nearshore action and the opportunity for bigger offshore catches, there’s something for everyone. We love seeing new faces and welcoming back regulars—it’s the memories, stories, and excitement that make each trip special.
October may have brought some wind and changing conditions, but it also brought great fishing, laughs, and plenty of memories on the water. Thank you to everyone who came out this month fishing. We can’t wait to see you back in November for more fishing adventures, big catches, and a lot of fun. Give us a call at 727-496-3474 or click HERE to book!
