Palm Valley Fishing Report 10/2

 Fishing Report

    The weather has been absolutely amazing, and so has the fishing! The mullet are as thick as ever, and with the temperatures dropping, it's a great time to be on the water. In the valley, visibility ranges from 2 to 3 feet in some areas, so consider lightening up on your leader and opting for more realistic colors. I've always found that shades of grey and brown work best under these conditions.

The tides in the coming days are shaping up perfectly for early morning and late evening fishing. I've heard from reliable sources that anglers have been slaying redfish, trout, and flounder at dead low tide around creek mouths. When the creeks are dry, you know it's game on! Position your boat as far away as possible to avoid spooking the fish, and make sure to match what they’re eating. Trust me—I've made the mistake of throwing shrimp when they're feeding on mullet, and vice versa. Spoiler alert: they’re definitely eating mullet right now!

Once you’ve landed two or three fish from a school, don’t waste time trying to catch more—move on to the next mouth. After a few have been caught, the rest tend to get spooked and stop feeding. If you're looking to bring some meat home or just want to put the kids on some fish, grab some live shrimp and cast around the docks for mangrove snapper before they disappear for the season.

 Fishing Tournament 

    This weekend brings the excitement of the 904 Redfish Tournament! When it comes to tournament fishing, many strategies abound, but one of the most effective is to keep things simple. Stick to your go-to spots and resist the urge to experiment too much.In my experience, I like to spend about 15 minutes at each location—if I don’t get a bite, I move on. It’s essential to stay flexible; conditions can change quickly, and you can always return to a spot later if the bite picks up.For redfish, focus on areas with good structure—like mangroves, oyster beds, or rocky outcroppings—where they tend to hang out. Pay attention to the tides; redfish are often more active around low and high tides as they move in and out of feeding areas.On Saturday, we can expect a northeast wind blowing at 7-10 MPH, leaning more toward the east, along with a high chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. This wind direction can create ideal conditions for fishing, especially if you find sheltered spots where the fish can still be active.Dead low tide is at 6:19 AM, so plan your fishing strategy accordingly. Arrive early, scout your spots, and get ready for a fantastic day on the water!Good luck out there, and may the best angler take home the trophy!